In effort to redefine what "tourism" means to Peachtree City, the Peachtree City Tourism Association has rebranded itself as the Peachtree City Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The City Council voted unanimously last month to approve the name change, along with a modification of some of the bylaws, which Executive Director Nancy Price believes will help the newly named body achieve its economic goals.
Since coming to work for Peachtree City in 2009, Price has been on a mission to streamline the city's tourism operations. The first step was to get the Fred's revenues in line with expenditures. After checking that box, she was promoted to take charge of the Tourism Association as well as the amphitheater. She has since moved the visitor's center to the Fred, slashed costs and increased efficiency across both agencies.
Price believes the name change is another step in the right direction.
"Choosing a name to better identify and describe the mission of the organization was one of the driving forces behind the change", said Price, whose new official title is Executive Director for the CVB.
She believes Peachtree City's unique lifestyle coupled with its recreational and outdoor activities and close proximity to Hartsfield airport, make it an ideal place for family reunions, business conferences and retreats.
Although the Peachtree City Convention and Visitors Bureau will maintain the same number of board members as previously under Tourism, the actual descriptions or makeup of those seven members will be quite different.
The Board of Directors will be made up of a representative from the City Council, the Development Authority of Peachtree City, the Airport Authority, the Recreation Commission, the hotel industry, a retail business owner and a representative from a recreational venue.
Those individuals currently selected to serve on the newly created CVB board are: Doug Sturbaum (City Council), Mark Ballard (Recreation Commission), Sherri Brown (DAPC), Bill Rial (Airport Authority), Becky She (Retail), Kai Wolter (Hotel Industry) and Tim Dunlap (Cannongate)
Acting Chairman of the CVB, Kai Wolter, is excited about the change. "One of our first orders of business will be to begin pursuing accreditation as a Georgia CVB. This is a program that is developed through the Georgia Convention and Visitors Bureau organization. By completing this process, it will give us instant recognition and credibility as a professionally run destination organization."
Recently the Visitors Center was moved from the Tennis Center to the existing box office space at the Fred Amphitheater allowing the CVB the ability to maximize staffing in the most efficient manner. The Visitors Center and the Fred currently share a staff of three employees.
The Visitors Center is currently open Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p..m., with future plans of expanding to Saturday weekend hours. The office is located at 201 McIntosh Trail and may be reached by calling 678-216-0282.
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