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For Immediate Release: August 18, 2006
Contact: Mark Thompson, Director
Plano Convention & Visitors Bureau
Phone: (972) 422-6805
Thompson Named Chairman of the Texas Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus
This past week the Texas Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus (TACVB) held their 34th annual convention in Abilene, TX where the membership elected Mark W. Thompson, Director of the Plano Convention and Visitors Bureau as their 2006-07 Chairman. Thompson has been with the City of Plano leading their CVB since April 1998.
“It is a privilege and an honor to serve as the TACVB Chairman and I plan to build on the successes of those who served before me and make this the best possible year I can”, said Thompson. TACVB was organized in July 1972 for the purpose of providing cooperative action to enhance and encourage the growth of the convention and visitor industry in Texas. TACVB is now one of the largest organizations of its kind in the United States representing 146 member cities.
Thompson contends that while the organization still maintains and upholds its original goals, they have expanded the purpose of the organization to include the education of its members by increasing the educational content of meetings. A large number of members are unable to attend some of the national and international meetings, so the TACVB has made it a goal to continue to improve on educational content. “Beginning this year, the board will institute the Texas Destination Marketing Certificate Program which will recognize those individuals who wish to continue their education in the Texas Travel Industry,” said Thompson.
Plano’s CVB is a division of the Parks and Recreation Department. Department Director Don Wendell said, “Mark is a leader in the tourism industry! This is a well deserved recognition of the outstanding service that he provides not only Plano, but to the region and the state.” Thompson is also an active member of the International Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus, the Texas Society of Association Executives, and is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Dallas/Ft. Worth Area Tourism Council and the Texas Travel Industry Association.
The Plano CVB is the official destination marketing organization for the city and is responsible for attracting and servicing conventions, conferences, sporting events, tour groups and leisure travelers.
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