Through the Years

Sonya Germann - Past Executive Board Member

You were involved with the bureau for over a decade, what makes that time so special?

“I enjoyed meeting all of the people from various communities. When we merged with the group from the southeastern side of the state, we got to meet a whole different group of people that were involved in tourism. That was a pretty exciting time.”One of your early hires was Darlene Chapman, now the President & Finance Director. Can you explain how that came to be?

Describe one of your most memorable moments in your time with the bureau.

“When we went to Casey on one of our trips, that was pretty astounding to me. To see what a little bitty town like Casey could do, that was an eye-opener.”

What is your favorite aspect of serving on the board for the bureau?

“The relationships, for example - meeting Belinda Henton out of Olney, I didn’t know Belinda. But over the last two or three years I went over there and played in a pickleball tournament with them, I would have never done that before had I not met Belinda. Ricky Gottman out of Vandalia, we’ve kept in contact with things we need to do between the two cities. What the bureau is about to me is not just tourism, but the friendships, I do miss that. I miss everybody getting together and finding out what’s going on, and of course the Christmas parties were always fun too!”

It is the 20th edition of our Visitors Guide, what stands out to you as you look at all of past editions?

“You guys have evolved so much from when I started. There are so many things in the Visitors Guide that I like that I can’t just narrow it down to one. I think it looks very classy and elegant, and it’s come a long way.”