TL Photo/Robert A. DeFrank Tourism leaders representing Appalachian counties in Ohio and West Virginia met Wednesday and Thursday at the Belmont County Cultural Heritage Museum in St. Clairsville. Belmont County Tourism Director Jackie Pugh (back right) welcomes them. Pictured counter-clockwise from Pew is Mindy Brems, executive director of the Coshocton County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Melody Young, Ross County Chillicothe Tourism Authority Executive Director; Brown County Representative Sonya Cropper, Athens County Events and Marketing Coordinator Amy Spouts, and an unnamed person. Lisa Underwood, president of Ohio Travel Pavilion. Chandler Grooms, director of tourism development for the Pike County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau; Deanna Clark (unknown), executive director of the Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau. and Diane Lautenschlager, president of the Tuscarawas County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
CLAIRSVILLE, ST. — Belmont County Tourism Director Jackie Pugh, who is also a member of the Ohio Appalachian Region Board of Directors, welcomed board members representing the 32 Appalachian counties of Ohio to the annual retreat.
“When tourism professionals come together across groups, there are always good ideas. I took many pages of notes on things that could be done within the county and the workflow at the tourism office.” she said. “We always strive to raise awareness of Appalachian Ohio and the many unique things we have to offer.”
The group met Wednesday and Thursday at the Belmont County Heritage Museum in St. Clairsville.
On Wednesday, they heard from Vicki Kingmaple, president of the Middle East Ohio Association of Governments, about how to communicate effectively and build good relationships. Another speaker was Sara Andreas, a business coach at WiseWood LLC who spoke about resilience.
Thursday's discussion included which area attractions to feature in the organization's new brochure.
Diane Lautenschlager, president of the Tuscarawas County Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the purpose of the brochure is to tell the story of Appalachia and assist all members in promoting the region. She added that the retreat offers opportunities to: “Please refill your cup” and exchange ideas on how they can become better leaders and better support tourism in their home countries.
“We're putting all of our energy into Appalachia, Ohio. We're looking at our organization closely. How can we maintain our leadership? How can we sustain our organization financially and support our members? Is that so? What do members need?” she said.
“We don't intend to continue doing what we've always done. We want to be flexible to meet the needs of our members and be able to best showcase their tourism resources. Tourism in the Appalachian Region This is a very big business. Economic impact is measured every two years. In 2021, the impact was $4 billion in the 32-county Appalachian region.”
Their mission is to grow the economy of the Appalachian region through tourism.
“We're really talking about looking critically at our organization. Do we have enough potential board candidates? We've had a lot of discussions about that.” she said. “Right now, because our organization is small and representative of Appalachia, we have always operated a revenue-neutral operation. What we take in as revenue is always spent back as expenses.”
This is working well for the organization, she said.
The members are not familiar with Belmont County. Lautenschlager said a membership meeting was held in Morristown, Ohio, Appalachian several years ago.
“We love Belmont County, and this was the perfect place to host our annual retreat.” Lautenschlager said.
“Moving our gathering locations allows our members to experience a community that cannot exist elsewhere.” she said. “When those members come to a meeting, they'll probably stop at a coffee shop. Our board always comes the night before, so they spend the night at a local hotel and eat at a local restaurant. ”
Lautenschlager also said there has been increased interest in the region in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, and tourism boards are taking advantage of this.
“Appalachia has become especially popular during the coronavirus pandemic.” she said. “Because there are so many opportunities for outdoor recreation. Because we don't have as much population concentration.”
She said everyone is welcome to experience the region's hospitality.
“We are ready to welcome all visitors in 2024.” she said.
