PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION
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IMPROVING ADVOCACY Linda Hoath discusses statewide CVB association’s goals and activities. Interview with Ron Garbinski
THE EFFERVESCENT LINDA HOATH’S DREAM JOB was to become the executive director of the Sault Ste. Marie Convention and Visitors Bureau, a role the tourism pro has enjoyed now for the past 16 years. We caught up with this year’s Michigan Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus president prior to the group’s annual educational meeting in Kalamazoo in September to talk about what’s going on with the statewide organization of 45 CVB members.
One of the first goals my board of directors gave me was to get involved with MACVB. At my first meeting, I realized that it was an important meeting to attend. This is where I learned what a CVB executive director does. I heard about different ideas and how to implement them. Some members had been around for many years and they helped me better understand what the public CVB act does for our communities. I really feel that it is one of the most impor-
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tant organizations the Sault Ste. Marie CVB belongs to and I decided to get more involved with the board and its different committees. The committees are important to my members (from the franchise to the locally owned properties) and to be a part of the decisions that are made for our industry. This is my second time as president. I think it’s important that we all do our part to continue to make this organization the best it could be and to continue to raise the bar each year. The industry leaders and members are what make MACVB what it is today.
What is the role of the MACVB and how does it help members and their communities?
Each and every member could give a different list. One size does not fit all. We are so diverse. I believe that for my region advocacy is very important to our industry and our local members, and as a smaller CVB we cannot afford a lobbyist to do what MACVB does for us. Other roles MACVB plays are education, mentorship, networking and so much more. With advertising changing continuously, we share best practices and what’s new at every meeting. We are very active on a national
P H O T O : L I N D A H O AT H
Why are you active in the MACVB and what led you to pursue the position as president?
