Destination Pennsylvania : The Governor's Conference on Tourism

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Conference Overview

On May 4-6, 2008, Governor Edward G. Rendell, the Pennsylvania Tourism Office and the Office of Community Affairs and Development will convene Destination Pennsylvania: The Governor's Conference on Tourism. This first-of-its-kind statewide summit will focus on preserving the distinctive character of our communities, and building economic development, through cultural and place-based tourism.

The conference will bring together key public and private stakeholders, industry experts and media, representing diverse areas of the state. We intend that local officials will leave the conference inspired to protect what is unique about their communities and with a greater understanding of how to stimulate economic development through place-based tourism.

Governor Rendell has tasked participants with creating a "blueprint for partnership" that will form the foundation for a master plan for sustainable tourism across Pennsylvania.

The Governor's Conference on Tourism is developed by the Pennsylvania Tourism Office and the Office of Community Affairs and Development in association with the Governor's Tourism Partnership.

Stakeholders:

Stakeholders

Supporting State Agencies

  • Department of Community and Economic Development
    Secretary Dennis Yablonsky
  • Pennsylvania Tourism Office
    Deputy Secretary J. Mickey Rowley
  • Pennsylvania Office of Community Affairs and Development
    Deputy Secretary Kenneth Klothen
  • Team Pennsylvania Foundation
    Richard Hudic, President and CEO
  • Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
    Barbara Franco, Executive Director
  • Pennsylvania Council of the Arts
    Phillip Horn, Executive Director

The Governor's Tourism Partnership

  • Chairman
    Dennis Yablonsky
    Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development
    Designee
    J. Mickey Rowley, Deputy Secretary for Tourism, Film & Marketing
  • Chair, Senate Community & Economic Development Committee
    Senator Jane Earll
  • Minority Chair, Senate Community & Economic Development Committee
    Senator Gerald LaValle
  • Majority Chair, House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee
    Representative Thomas A. Tangretti
  • Minority Chair, House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee
    Representative Jerry Nailor
  • Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
    Cheryl Cook
    Deputy Secretary for Marketing, Promotions & Program Services
  • Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
    Michael DiBerardinis
    Secretary
  • Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission
    Barbara Franco
    Executive Director
  • Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
    Rina Cutler
    Deputy Secretary for Administration
  • Pennsylvania Game Commission
    Robert Wesoloskie
    Marketing Specialist
  • Fish & Boat Commission
    Daniel Tredinnick
    Press Secretary
  • Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
    Bill Capone
    Director of Public Affairs
  • Tourism Promotion Agency First, Second, Second Class A County
    Joe McGrath
    CEO & President, Greater Pittsburgh Convention & Visitor Bureau
  • Tourism Promotion Agency Third, Fourth, Fifth Class County
    Jason Fink
    Executive Director, Lycoming County Visitors Bureau; President, Pennsylvania Convention and Visitors Bureau
  • Tourism Promotion Agency Sixth, Seventh, Eighth Class County
    Annie Urban
    Executive Director, Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau
  • Private Sector Tourism Industry
    Barry Wickes
    Executive Director, PA Tourism & Lodging Association
  • Hotel/Motel Industry
    Joe Hardy
    Owner, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
  • Skiing or Snowmobiling Sector
    Gregg Confer
    General Manager, Elk Mountain Ski Resort
  • Amusement Parks or Attractions Sector
    Andy Quinn
    Director of Community Relations, Kennywood Park
  • Private Parks or Campgrounds Sector
    Beverly Gruber
    Executive Secretary, Pennsylvania Campground Association
  • Museum or Historical Attractions Sectors
    Sean Strub
    Member, Board of Directors, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark
  • Arts or Theater Sector
    Vernell A. Lillie
    Founder,Producing Artistic Director, Kuntu Repertory Theater-University of Pittsburgh
  • Motor Coach or Travel Agent Industry
    Susan Helfrich
    Director, Cruise Events LLC
  • Hunting, Fishing or Boating Sector
    Dr. Helen A. Davis
    Ophthalmologist, Eye Physician,Surgeon-Davis Eye Group
  • Food & Beverage Industry
    Kevin Joyce
    President & CEO, The Carlton Restaurant
  • Shopping/Outlet Shopping Industry
    Zhang Wen Qin
    Owner, Imports Channel
  • Outdoor Recreation Sector
    Patrick Maier
    Owner, Mountain Trail Horse Center
  • Wine Industry
    Robert Mazza
    President, Mazza Vineyards Winery
  • State Designated Heritage Park Area
    Jane Sheffield
    CEO, Alleghany Ridge Heritage Area; President, Association of Heritage Area Managers
  • Pennsylvania Council of the Arts
    Philip Horn
    Executive Director
  • Governors Advisory Council on Rural Affairs
    Bill Sturges
    Executive Director
  • State-related University in the Commonwealth offering tourism industry degree programs
    Christine N. Buzinde
    Assistant Professor, Department of Recreation, Park & Tourism Management-Penn State University
  • County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania
    Doug Hill
    Executive Director
  • National Park Service
    Dennis Reidenbach
    Superintendent, Independence National Historical Park
  • Member at large
    Meryl Levitz
    CEO, Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation

Celebrating communities, transforming economies.