Seminar - Tourism and Economic Development

Cost

Members
$35

Non-Members
$45

Date: Jun 9, 2016

Time: 2PM - 4PM

Location: Memorial Auditorium and Convention Center

This TIAK Educational Seminar will focus on balancing the roles of Tourism and Economic Development. We will learn how some industry professionals wear both hats, how they collaborate with others to accomplish a common goal, and what similarities and differences are presented.

Panel of professionals:

  • Jim Zaleski is a 23-year veteran of the tourism industry. He is one of 22 individuals that has been bestowed the Fellowship of Certified Destination Management Executive (FCDME) distinction from the Destination Marketing Association International. Jim has served at the Vice President level of the Lake County, Indiana CVB and the Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority, as well as serving as the Executive Director of the Joplin, Missouri CVB, Parsons Chamber of Commerce and Labette County Tourism Bureau. He also spent time as a senior account executive in public relations in New York City where he wrote strategic marketing plans for such companies as Sony, Burger King, and Continental Airlines. As of January 2016, Jim absorbed the Economic Development responsibilities into his tourism position with the City of Parsons.
  • B.J. Harris became the Executive Director of the Crawford County CVB in November 2011. Prior to joining the CVB, he spent 10 years in the radio industry. B.J. graduated from Pittsburg State University with a B.A. in Communication and a minor in Marketing in 2005. His leadership roles currently include serving as the Treasurer for TIAK, the President of the Southeast Kansas Tourism Region and the President of SportsKS. Sports have forever been a part of B.J.’s life. He played football collegiately at Pittsburg State University, has broadcasted more than 1,000 sporting events on radio, and now works to grow sports tourism in Crawford County and the State of Kansas.
  • Chase County Economic Development and Tourism Director, Jennifer Laird, takes great pride in being a strong advocate for the entire county. Drawing inspiration from an unwavering desire to honor and preserve the legacy of Chase County, Laird strives to build a vibrant economic ecosystem cultivated and nurtured through collaboration, optimism and a shared vision of the unique tourism-based destination culture that she represents.

SeminarĀ Location:
Memorial Auditorium and Convention Center
503 North Pine St.
Pittsburg, KSĀ 66762