Sep 4, 2018
September 4, 2018 –Auburn, NY - Meg Vanek recently notified the Cayuga County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CCCVB) that she will be retiring from her position as the Executive Director. The transition is planned to occur in late 2018. The CCCVB Board of Directors has a strategic plan for succession in place and will launch a search for a new executive director in the near future.
Meg Vanek's bio:
Vanek's career includes 40 years in hospitality and tourism in California, England, and New York State. She began as the Executive Director of the CCCVB in 1997, establishing a tourism office in downtown Auburn as part of the rebirth of downtown and developing promotional programs that add to the economic vitality and quality of life of Cayuga County.
During her time with the CCCVB she was instrumental in creating the first research-based strategic plan for Cayuga County tourism which led to the initiation of many new, targeted promotional programs including updating the Cayuga County tourism brand to create a consistent, cohesive message for the County and launching a new easily navigable, responsive web site that builds on that brand identity. The ongoing public relations efforts under Vanek have captured attention of travel writers and bloggers from across the US as well as internationally. In addition, a robust group sales program, a variety of tourism publications and creation of the award-winning Finger Lakes Sweet Treat Trail were all developed under Vanek's leadership.
Recognizing the importance of hospitality training and cross-promotion, Vanek developed a customized online hospitality training program for Cayuga County's tourism industry and as well as ongoing educational workshops, familiarization tours and other learning tools for tourism industry partners.
During Vanek's tenure tourism spending in Cayuga County exceeded $100 million.
Vanek serves on Auburn's Historic & Cultural Sites Commission, the Finger Lakes Regional Tourism Council, the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway Board of Directors, and the New York State Travel Industry Association Board of Directors as well as the United Way of Cayuga County.
“By pioneering new programs, staying abreast of key market trends and creating important partnerships, Vanek has truly set the CCCVB up for the future. We appreciate everything she has done for Tourism in Cayuga County and we wish her a warm congratualtions on her retirement," said Jessica Cantu, Chair, Cayuga County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
For more information about the Cayuga County Convention and Visitors Bureau visit www.tourcayuga.com
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Editorial Contact:
Jessica Cantu, Chair
Cayuga County Convention and Visitors
Jessica.Cantu@Hilton.com