J. Mickey Rowley, Deputy Secretary for Tourism, Film & Economic Development Marketing

1. During your tenure at the Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association we know that your successes were many; but what do you consider your major accomplishments?

One major accomplishment that comes to mind was my intense involvement in the 2000 Republican National Convention in Philadelphia. As the co-chairman of the 2000 Republican National Convention Housing Committee, I felt it was a great opportunity for Philadelphia to host the event, but was aware of my responsibility as well. The Housing Committee worked tirelessly to accommodate and welcome the thousands of conventioneers to Philadelphia. The 2000 Republican National Convention is a major “success story” for Philadelphia. I felt the significance of having played a role in this accomplishment.

2. You greatly improved the working relationships between diverse partners in the Greater Philadelphia Region. What lessons learned would you bring to your new position at DCED?

While working to pass the May 1999 Hotel Room Rental Tax (a bill amended to provide an additional excise tax to hotel room rentals and designate the tax revenue to be deposited into a special fund to be used for tourist promotion activities), I improved relationships between diverse partners while managing, researching and promoting the room tax amendment in the Philadelphia region and in Harrisburg. With the additional revenue, Philadelphia marketed regionally, advertised campaigns with strong offers, and delivered a call to action that produced positive economic impacts for the region. Developing working relationships and working as a team does effect positive change.

3. The PACVB is looking forward to working with you soon. How can we, as an association, help you acclimate your new position and be of service?

This is a wonderful opportunity for me and I look forward to working with the Pennsylvania Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus and its members. I need your help in “being the eyes, ears, and bringing the ideas” from the tourism industry to me so that we can work together to promote tourism in Pennsylvania.

4. What new opportunities and challenges do you foresee?

Well, the new economic reality poses both challenges and opportunities. We will harness all opportunities for change to ensure progress in promoting Pennsylvania tourism. Post September 11, ‘01, there is a new awareness of the importance of tourism. We must work together to bring back the vibrancy of tourism in Pennsylvania.

5. Why did you accept the position Deputy Secretary of Tourism, Film and Economic Development, PA Department of Community and Economic Development, and what do you hope to accomplish?

With energy, enthusiasm and leadership, I hope to be influential in shaping the “tourism plan for the economic recovery of Pennsylvania.” Working together, we will grow tourism in Pennsylvania, resulting in positive economic impacts for our state and our local regions. I look forward to working with you to ensure this success.

---

New DCED Secretary Announced

Dennis Yablonsky, Secretary of Community and Economic Development

Editor’s notes: The Department of Community and Economic Development also announced the appointment of Dennis Yablonsky, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The Secretary has demonstrated strong support for our tourism industry as the keynote speaker at both the Legislative Dinner, March 11, 2003, and Tourism Day, May 6, 2003.

The Pennsylvania Senate, unanimously confirmed secretary of Community and Economic Development, Dennis Yablonsky, on March 11th, 2003. Born and raised in Pennsylvania, he has 27 years of management and executive experience. He was founding CEO of the Pittsburgh Digital Greenhouse, a revolutionary model for focused technology economic development.

Mr. Yablonsky will lead the Rendell Administration’s proactive efforts to revitalize Pennsylvania’s economy by investing in growth. He will work to achieve a balance between community development and economic development, to respond effectively to the needs of our large urban centers and our small to medium sized cities and boroughs, and to fully develop the potential of Pennsylvania’s many diverse industry sectors.

Secretary Yablonsky is committed to working with the state legislature and with business and community partners to help enact an effective plan for a New Pennsylvania.

National Media attention focuses on Greater Pittsburgh Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Heritage Cultural Tourism Publicity about the Pittsburgh region and its cultural and heritage attractions continues to build, and the number of placements generated in 2003 has been exceptionally plentiful. From national publications like Family Fun Magazine's June-July issue featuring the Greater Pittsburgh Convention and Visitors Bureau's Kidsburgh Getaway to a Knight Ridder story that has reached several markets, the coverage focuses on what's new in the region, what makes it a great place to visit and why its authenticity is a draw for cultural and heritage tourists. Pittsburgh skyline at night. A real boost to GPCVB efforts came when USA Weekend named the view from Mount Washington of the Pittsburgh skyline at night the second most beautiful place to visit in the United States (second to Red Rocks in Sedona, Arizona). Because this designation came from travel writers and photographers, we feel it indicates to some extent GPCVB's success in reaching these professionals, , although the journalist who wrote the story was not directly hosted by the GPCVB. The combined publications' circulation on Pittsburgh from January to June 2003 reached nearly 3 million households. Stories generated and tracked by the GPCVB appeared in such publications as Meetings East, Harrisburg Patriot News, the Miami Herald, Times Herald Record (Middletown, NY) and the Cleveland Plain Dealer. The GPCVB uses a number of strategies, such as written and verbal pitches as well as individual and group press tours, to generate publicity about Pittsburgh as a leisure and meeting destination. The GPCVB uses every opportunity to promote its story ideas -- from its new online pressroom to targeted mailings to answering online queries, such as those available through TravelNewsLink. The GPCVB media relations staff is especially focused on cultivating relationships with freelance writers and members of organizations such as the Society of American Travel Writers. For example, the recent FamilyFun Magazine article about Kidsburgh and a Cleveland Plain Dealer article on the same topic were cultivated through ties with freelance writers.

PACVB Committees
President Howell invites all PACVB members and their staff members to consider volunteering your time, talent, and expertise by serving on committees and ad hoc committees. Our association has opportunities and challenges at both the local and state level. Your support and active involvement in PACVB committees enables our association to hear your concerns, suggestions, and better serve you, our members. If you are interested in serving on a committee, please contact glorias@patourism.org.

Communications Committee:
This active committee has been involved in enhancing the PACVB web site. New developments and improvements to the design, content, and member access sections of the PACVB are completed. If you want to know what the Communications Committee has accomplished, visit www.pacvb.org to view the enhanced web site. The committee has recommended gradual, in phases, changes to the web site. We completed phase two, the TPA “MembersOnly” access. An article follows in this issue of e-News about the “MembersOnly” section of our web site. Thank you to Communications Committee Chairman, Sandi Spencer, for a job well done as she resigns as chair of the committee.

Consumer Shows Committee:
The Consumer Shows Program, which included 28 PACVB members, concluded a successful year that sponsored seven leisure travel shows with tradeshow assistance provided by PENNDOT. The Committee will meet to evaluate the success of the 2003 program and plan the 2004 schedule soon. With much gratitude, the PACVB thanks Vivian McCarty, who has served as the Chairman of this committee for many years. Vivian is retiring soon as the Executive Director of the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau.

A Consumer Show survey was conducted in April 2003, results can be viewed here.

Governmental Affairs Committee:
The Governmental Affairs Committee has been very active lately in response to the changes in State Government and in the Legislature. We are proud to announce that the PACVB was an associate sponsor of the Rendell Inauguration, January 2003. The committee is developing and advancing programs for PACVB advocacy and lobbying efforts. An action agenda for the Governmental Affairs Committee was adopted.


The Group Marketing Commitetee in costume: (l-r) Terri-Shirley; J.R; Marc; Christina; Dawn-Rosanna; Greg; Janet and Courtney(Kneeling in front are: Ingrid and Doug)


Group Marketing Committee:
The Group Marketing Committee completed a very successful season. Over 85 delegates, from Pennsylvania, traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana, to attend the 51st Annual Marketplace, Breakfast for Operators on February 6. Delegates worked together to sell “Pennsylvania” to an audience of approximate 2,000 motor coach operators. Nineteen PACVB members participated in the 2003 ABA program and 13 PACVB members participated in the NC Sales Mission, which was hosted at the Ballantyne Resort, Charlotte, North Carolina, March 15-17, 2003. This event attracted 10 motor coach companies to the resort.

Legislative Dinner Committee:
The Legislative Dinner Committee received positive feedback from legislators, state officials, tourism leaders, and TPA executives and their members whom attended this year’s successful event. The evening included a superb reception and dinner that featured Pennsylvania wines. The event included an excellent program of speakers, entertainment, and professional sound and visual projection. The committee hosted over 600 dinner attendees, an increase from previous years attendance.

Membership Committee:
The Membership Committee recommended, and adopted, a new membership category, the affiliated/exhibitor program for our vendors and suppliers who support our programs and initiatives. Please read the article in this issue of e-News about affiliated/exhibitor memberships.

Professional Development Committee:
The 2003 Spring Workshop was another success story, and record breaker, which raises the bar for educational content and special events planned for the 2003 Fall Workshop. The Professional Development Committee is making plans for the Fall Workshop and is also researching education accreditation opportunities, working in partnership with the International Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus. PACVB met with IACVB representatives in Washington, DC, on May 29, 2003, to discuss professional development opportunities available to PACVB members.

PACVB Provides TPA “MembersOnly” Access on Web Site!
All TPA members of PACVB were recently sent an e-mail informing them of the new “MembersOnly” section of our newly-redesigned website. This new “MembersOnly” section will only be accessible to TPA members of PACVB with a login and password, which was included in the e-mail message.

This section will contain information on: Advocacy and Lobbying Issues; Legislators’ contact information; Listserve info; the most recent TPA List from DCED; PACVB By-Laws (coming soon); TPA Minimum Standards; and PACVB Committees.

We welcome you to share your suggestions and comments about the PACVB website. Please direct any suggestions or comments to Gloria Schleicher at 717-232-8880 x110 or by e-mail at glorias@patourism.org

If you have any problems logging on to the “MembersOnly” section of the PACVB website with the info that was e-mailed to you, please contact Eric Adams at 717-232-8880 x104, or by e-mail at eadams@patourism.org.

Success of Spring Workshop and Legislative Dinner

The Legislative Affairs Panel included: (l-r) Moderator Robert Imperata; distinguished panelists Senators Punt and LaValle and Representatives Lescovitz and Godshall; and Moderator Robert Uguccioni.

The 2003 PACVB Spring Workshop, held at the Harrisburg Hilton, March 10-12, 2003, was a great success. The workshop was another record breaker, generating approximately 153 attendees, 19 exhibitors and 8 sponsors. The workshop included sessions conducted by DCED and excellent educational content provided by Susan Sweeny, a nationally-known Internet marketing speaker. A distinguished Legislative Affairs Panel included Senators LaValle and Punt and Representatives Godshall and Lescovitz. Other speakers included Carol Kilko, DCED; Tony May, Triad; and PACVB Board of Directors.

Many individuals helped to make this year’s event spectacular. A special thank you to Janis Schmees, Hershey Capital Region CVB, for providing our attendees with an unique opportunity to visit the new GIANT Center® to dine and dance overlooking the ice. A sincere thank you to the members of the Hershey Capitol Regions CVB and all sponsors for their support that made this event a great success. As our evaluations indicate, we had a great workshop and had a great time visiting Harrisburg. Thank you to all of you who attended the workshop and completed evaluations forms. Click to view the 2003 PACVB Spring Workshop Evaluation Report (PDF).

---

2003 Legislative Dinner Celebrates that Tourism Works for Pennsylvania!

The audience enjoying the 2003 Legislative Dinner events

The Legislative Dinner was a great success according to feedback we have received from legislators, state officials, tourism leaders, and TPA executives and their members, in attendance. This year’s event included the traditional elements and new concepts that provided a pleasurable experience for all in attendance. A lavish reception, gourmet dinner, and select Pennsylvania wines, a keynote speech delivered by newly-confirmed Secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development, a taped greeting from Governor Rendell, an Anthology of Pennsylvania Travel Photography, live music, a master of ceremonies, professional sound and special guests ensured a pleasurable evening for all. More than 600 attendees enjoyed the evening. The message, investing for the future—TPA Matching Fund Grant of $14 Million!—was celebrated and enjoyed in the evening’s signature chocolate dessert. Expressing deep gratitude to the following major sponsors for their continued support and commitment to make this event the tourism industry’s premier annual event—Independence Publishing, Pennsylvania Wine Association, Visual Sound, and Commonwealth Media Service.

International Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus
The PACVB is developing a partnership with the International Association of Convention of Visitors Bureaus (IACVB). As you may recall, Michael Gehrisch, IACVB President, gave the 2002 Fall Workshop keynote lunch address that was very informative and inspired our association executive director to meet with IACVB representatives to discuss opportunities to collaborate and partner on issues regarding statewide and international CVB issues and opportunities. PACVB met with staff members of IACVB recently and learned that many of our members are members of IACVB. Currently, 19 PACVB members are also members of IACVB. A new feature in e-News will be an industry news section, primarily featuring news from the IACVB to keep our members updated about trends, statistics, and events affecting our industry on the international, national, state, and local level.

I am pleased that IACVB has agreed to share a summary of the IACVB Business Barometer (with permission of IACVB). This research document is a valuable tool and will assist you in future planning.

The PACVB will continue to seek opportunities to partner with IACVB to develop professional development opportunities. The IACVB will periodically share important, updated industry news for our PACVB members, via e-News.

---

TRAVELPAC
The funds generated in the PAC are used to attend political fundraisers and support the public officials who, in turn, support our tourism industry. Please send your personal checks to: TRAVELPAC, 902 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102. Your generosity is appreciated and is needed as TRAVELPAC adopts an ambitious new governmental affairs program in building relationships with our new Executive Branch and Legislative partners.

Recently, TRAVELPAC provided the funding for your Executive Director and registered lobbyist, to attend, on behalf of PACVB and its members, the following important lobbying events:

• Attended the Pennsylvania Society Dinner and associated events, December 2002, New York City.
• Attended the January 21, 2003 Governor Rendell’s Inaugural Events, Swearing In Ceremony and Evening Gala.
• Attended a fundraising event held in honor of Representative Dave Argall, House Appropriations Committee February 5, 2003, and attended the PA Chamber of Commerce “Meet New Legislators Breakfast” February 5, 2003.
• Attended the House Tourism and Recreational Committee Dinner Meeting on February 10. 2003. Met new members of the committee. PACVB co-sponsored the drinks with PTLA.
• Attended the April 28, 2003, fundraiser for Senator Robert J. Thompson (R-Chester) (Appropriations Chairman) at Catalano's Restaurant in Wormsleyburg.

Unfortunately, the TRAVELPAC is not fully funded at this time. In order to continue to have PACVB representation at similar upcoming events, travelpac donations are needed. Please send your personal checks to: TRAVELPAC, 902 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102.

We thank the following for their generous TRAVELPAC contributions (January 1, 2003, through May 31, 2003):