Cambridge/Guernsey Co. Visitors & Convention Bureau Blog

Cambridge/Guernsey County Featured on New Television Program

2009-07-06T08:05:00.000-07:00

In June of this year, ONN launched Ohio & Company, a brand new weekly magazine show that showcases companies, products, services and events from across the Buckeye State. Next week, Cambridge/Guernsey County will be highlighted during the one half hour episode. The dates and times are as follows:

Tues, July 14th at 6:30pm
Wed, July 15th at 10am
Thurs, July 16th at 11:30am
Fri, July 17th at 11am and 7:30pm

The segment can also be seen on the ONN website http://www.onntv.com/.

The show’s host, Eve Mueller, interviewed Debbie Robinson, executive director of the Cambridge/Guernsey County VCB who explained all of the attractions and events the county has to offer and showcased two new and unique packages visitors can enjoy, Think Pink: Getaways with a Purpose and Sherlock Holmes Weekend. Jonett Haberfield, spoke about the Think Pink Weekends with Eve, and Janine Bock explained Sherlock Homes Weekend.

To learn more about these packages and the attractions and events Cambridge/Guernsey County has to offer, log onto http://www.visitguernseycounty.com/ or call the VCB at 740-432-2022 or toll free 800-933-5480.

In the photo, L) Eve Mueller, host of ONN’s Ohio & Company interviews Janine Bock (standing) Debbie Robinson and Jonett Haberfield for the upcoming episode

Meet the Editor

2009-06-18T11:39:00.000-07:00

On June 17, four regional tourism industry members traveled to Columbus to attend Meet the Editor, a program presented by the Ohio Travel Association. Attendees heard information on "How to tell your story: what makes a good story and why is the story important and How to sell your story: what do editors look for and how much lead time do they need" from panelists Richard Osborne, Publisher and Editor of Ohio Magazine; Carol Smith, Editor of Group Tour Magazine, and Andrea Vecchio, Host of "Good Company" on WKYC-TV-Cleveland. The keynote speaker was Lara Kretler, Associate Vice President of Fahlgren Mortine Public Relations who shared information on "Social Media Marketing for Tourism and Hospitality Pros."

Enjoying the presentation are (l) Kari Thompson, Stonewall; Patricia Irvin, Colonel Taylor Inn B&B; Debbie Robinson, Cambridge/Guernsey County Visitors & Convention Bureau, and Wendy Wharff, recently named executive director of the Marietta-Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

To read media stories about Guernsey County, log onto http://www.visitguernseycounty.com/ and click on media kit.

Visitors from the City of Lorain go Behind the Scenes

2009-05-27T12:23:00.000-07:00

Recently, four visitors from the City of Lorain (population 65,000) traveled to Cambridge to learn more about how Dickens Victorian Village was organized, funded and run by volunteers. They met with Debbie Robinson, executive director of the Cambridge/Guernsey County Visitors & Convention Bureau and Jonett Haberfield, co-chair of Dickens Victorian Village.

They are seen here with Charles Dickens himself in the Dickens Welcome Center and Ye Olde Curiosity Shop. (l) Goldie Saegert, retired motor coach operator; Joe Skodny, Legacy Marketing Group; Bessie Eva Nelson, Natl. Ministries Assoc. of the Lorain Negro Business & Professional Women's Club and Pat Morrison, owner/operator of Footprint Tours.

Hoppy comes to Town!

2009-05-15T08:21:00.001-07:00

The 19th Annual Hopalong Cassidy Reunion was a big success this year. Many cowboy look-alikes and Little Buckaroos participated. Hopalong Cassidy Reunion originator, Laura Bates (center), is surrounded by honored guests and movie stars during the Cowpoke Dinner.

To learn more about all of the events taking place in Guernsey County, log onto http://www.visitguernseycounty.com/.

National Tourism Week Celebrated Locally

2009-05-15T08:05:00.001-07:00

Each year, the Cambridge/Guernsey County Visitors & Convention Bureau Board of Directors and staff celebrates National Tourism Week in May. We take this opportunity before the busy tourism season begins to recognize and thank our tourism industry members for the terrific job they do throughout the year,” VCB Executive Director Debbie Robinson said. “Our county is blessed with talented and dedicated individuals and organizations who realize the great economic impact tourism has in our area and who spend countless hours to make their tourism product an enjoyable and meaningful experience for visitors and residents alike. For these reasons, we award the Tourism Volunteer of the Year and Tourism Development of the Year to remind our community of the services these individuals and organizations provide.”

The Tourism Development Award honors the individual, organization, or business that has done the most to develop tourism in Guernsey County within the past calendar year. The winner of the 2009 Tourism Development of the Year Award is the National Museum of Cambridge Glass. In 2008 the museum developed programs that involved visitors in active learning and participation in activities. The museum increased attendance and formed creative partnerships with several other organizations and attractions.

The Tourism Volunteer Award honors an individual or organization that has done the most to further the growth of tourism in Guernsey County within the last calendar year on a volunteer basis. The winner of the 2009 Tourism Volunteer of the Year is Cecil Carlson for his tireless work on the Byesville Scenic Railway in Byesville. His nominator said, “He (Cecil) contributes countless hours to the Byesville Scenic Railway as the Station Master and the Vice President of the organization. Cecil is the person that keeps the train staffed and running on time. He may be selling the tickets, flagging the train or running the engine, but he will always be there.”

For more information on the National Museum of Cambridge Glass and the Byesville Scenic Railway, log onto www.VisitGuernseyCounty.com.

Travel Writer goes Behind the Scenes

2009-05-15T07:43:00.000-07:00

Travel writer, Jan Myers (l), was in town recently for a "Behind the Scenes" Dickens Victorian Village tour. She is seen here in Ye Old Curiosity Shoppe and Dickens Welcome Center with artist Martha Jamail who explains to her how the Dickens heads are created. Jan's story will be featured in the November/December issue of "Over the Back Fence," a Southern Ohio travel magazine.

To learn more about the 2009 -2010 Dickens events including the brand new Sherlock Holmes Weekend, log onto www.VisitGuernseyCounty.com.

Accessiblity In the Tourism Industry

2009-04-27T13:26:00.000-07:00

During their quarterly networking meeting, Team Tourism members learned from L- Mary Davis, Occupational Therapy Assistant and Tracy Martin, Clinical Coordinator for Southeastern Med's Occupational Therapy Services how the tourism industry is impacted by travelers with disabilities, how to attract and keep customers with disabilities, and how to positively interact with these important consumers. Mary and Tracy also shared ADA

(Americans with Disabilities Act) information along with how Team Tourism members can make their businesses more accessible.

To learn more about accessibility in the tourism industry, contact Tracy tmart@seormc.org or 740-439-8977.

Tourist Information Center is Ready for Company!

2009-04-21T07:15:00.000-07:00

The Cambridge/Guernsey County Visitors & Convention Bureau staff recently spent the day cleaning the Tourist Information Center in downtown Cambridge. May through October marks one of the busiest tourism seasons for Guernsey County. With a brand new website and the newly launched Guernsey County Visitors Savings Cards, the VCB staff is anticipating a very successful summer and fall. In 2008, the Tourist Information Center greeted 3,500 visitors. Getting ready for this year’s “company” are L- Julie Petrasko, tourism counselor; Shauna Hearing, communications/information manager and Dawn Beasley, office manager. To learn more about attractions, events and new happenings in Guernsey County, log onto http://www.visitguernseycounty.com/ or call 432-2022 locally or toll-free 800-933-5480.

Glass Pass Participants Come to Town

2009-04-15T07:20:00.000-07:00

Members of the Glass Pass consortium were in Cambridge recently for a quarterly luncheon meeting at Theo's Restaurant followed by a tour of Mosser Glass.

The Glass Pass is a partnership of glass museums and companies in Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania whose goal is to enlighten and encourage individuals to further explore the rich heritage and artistry of glassmaking and collecting.

For more information on the Glass Pass, visit www.GlassPass.org.

First Annual Easter Tea & Train Ride Hopped into Byesville

2009-04-15T07:06:00.000-07:00

The Easter bunny made his way to Byesville during the first annual Easter Tea and Train ride sponsored by the Dickens Victorian Village committee and the Byesville Scenic Railway. Over 60 participants dressed in their Easter finest and enjoyed high tea served by My Sweetie Pie Tea Room. While on board, coal miners shared the rich Easter traditions of the turn-of-the-century coal community that helped to build this region. The event was a fundraiser for Dickens Victorian Village. For information on upcoming spring and summer events, log onto http://www.visitguernseycounty.com/.

Stopping to pose on the train with the Easter bunny are Jen Eubanks with her daughters Molly (7) and Bella (4).

VCB Recognized with Safety Award

2009-03-25T13:19:00.000-07:00

During the Cambridge Area Chamber of Commerce 12th Annual Guernsey - Noble Safety Awards Luncheon, the Cambridge/ Guernsey County Visitors & Convention Bureau was presented with an 100% Award for working an entire year without any injury or illness resulting in a day away from work.

Accepting the award from Sue Davis (R), Bureau of Worker's Comp Division of Safety & Hygiene is VCB office manager, Dawn Beasley.

Ohio National Road Association Takes FAM Tour

2009-03-25T07:01:00.000-07:00

Board members of the Ohio National Road Association spent a day traveling the eastern portion of the All-American, National Scenic Byway recently. Led by the co-author of the "Traveler's Guide to the Historic National Road in Ohio", Doug Smith, Licking County Commissioner, who regaled the attendees in interesting stories along the byway.

Doug Smith seen here is explaining the history of the Mile Markers at one of Ohio's three S- Bridges, two of which are located in Guernsey County.

One of the first stops during the day was at Blaine Bridge, Ohio's oldest bridge and the official bicentennial bridge. It is the longest and last remaining structure of its kind on the entire 6-state Historic National Road system. The restored site was dedicated in 2005.

Debbie Robinson, executive director of the Cambridge/Guernsey County Visitors & Convention Bureau, pauses during the walk on the bridge for a picture with Sue Douglass, Executive Director of the Belmont County Department of Development, who lovingly and tirelessly led the way for the restoration of the bridge. Learn more about the bridge at www.BlaineBridge.org.

Another stop along the way was the S-bridge in Middlebourne in Guernsey County. The ONRA board took a breather for a photo. To learn more about the Ohio section of the National Road, visit http://www.ohionationalroad.org/.

To learn more about the Guernsey County section of the Ohio National Road, log on to htt p://www.visitguernseycounty.com/ and request a free driving brochure.

Tourism Generates Revenue!

2009-03-20T07:35:00.000-07:00

On March 18, 2009, Debbie Robinson, executive director of the Cambridge/Guernsey County Visitors & Convention Bureau, joined other state tourism professionals in Columbus for the Annual Legislative Day. Robinson participated in numerous activities during the day including appointments with Representative Jennifer Garrison and Senator Jimmy Stewart to share the message that tourism is an economic development tool for not only Guernsey County but also for the entire state. In 2008, the state's return on investment with their new advertising campaign, "Too Much Fun for Just One Day," generated an estimated $473 million in visitor spending, and $31 million in new tax revenues is estimated to have come to Ohio as a result of this campaign.

To share in the good news with Robinson is L- Phil Craig, Executive Director of the Ohio Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus and Lou Gentile, Assistant Director of the Governor's Office of Appalachia.

To learn more about activities and events in Guernsey County, log onto www.VisitGuernseyCounty.com.

Tourism Director Goes to D.C.

2009-03-16T12:05:00.001-07:00

Debbie Robinson, Executive Director of the Cambridge/Guernsey County Visitors & Convention Bureau along with other Ohio VCB directors L- Pat Crow, Knox County, Dee Grossman, Tuscarawas County, Amy Rutledge, Carroll County recently traveled to Washington D.C. to speak with their federal legislatures about the importance of tourism as an economic development tool during these challenging times. In addition to Congressman Zack Space seen here, Robinson also spent time with Byesville native Dan Neff at the Appalachian Regional Commission. Robinson will also travel to Columbus for meetings with state representatives.

Guernsey County Well Represented at Group Tour Travel Show

2009-03-16T11:33:00.000-07:00

Representatives from The Living Word Outdoor Drama, Byesville Scenic Railway, Dickens Victorian Village, and the Cambridge/Guernsey County Visitors & Convention Bureau recently attended the annual Heartland Travel Showcase in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They joined over 600 hospitality and tourism professionals at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center February 20-22.

Jonett Haberfield explains the "Dickens Experience" to a tour operator.

Heartland Travel Showcase, produced by Ohio Travel Association, builds relationships between hospitality industry professionals to promote the "heartland's" unique destinations. Collectively, the Guernsey tourism professionals met with over 75 tour operators during the show, sharing with them the unique travel opportunities and itineraries their groups can enjoy in our area.

Steve Stolarik shares how the train ride explains the history of coal mining in Guernsey County.

For more information on the group tour market in Guernsey County, go to http://www.visitguernseycounty.com/. To learn more about Heartland Travel Showcase, see http://www.ohiotravel.org/.

Kitrina and Mitch Mazaher enthralls a tour operator with the "Greatest Story Ever Told."

2009-01-22T06:32:00.000-08:00

Jodi Schott Elected to Cambridge/Guernsey County Visitors & Convention Bureau Board of Directors

Woody Biggs, president of the Cambridge/Guernsey County VCB board of directors, announced today that Jodi Schott, interim manager of the Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center, has been elected to serve a three-year term on the VCB board of directors.

“We are pleased to have a representative from PLCC on our board,” said Biggs. “Jodi brings over nine years of experience as an event manager and technical director with her. She has valuable knowledge of the meeting, event, and group markets and will serve the VCB board of directors well. We are also pleased to have a strong partnership with the area’s finest civic center.”
Schott joins 11 other VCB Board of Directors who meet monthly: Steve Allen, Guernsey County Commissioner; Norm Blanchard, CIC Director; Fran Taylor, Cambridge Main Street Director; Mike Kachilla, Cambridge Area Chamber of Commerce President; Margy Bucci, Hampton Inn General Manager and President of the Guernsey County Lodging Association; Woody Biggs, Byesville Scenic Railway Representative; Ralph Ray, Mr. Lee’s Restaurant Marketing Director; Kevin Coveney, Owner of Denny’s Restaurant; Steve Gierhart Economic, & Community Development Director; Toni Kellar, the Wilds Communications Manager; and Keith Cook, Salt Fork Resort & Conference Center Manager.

The VCB promotes tourism in the area, educates the local public as to the value and importance of tourism to the area, and promotes the development of tourism-related businesses.

Julie Petrasko Joins VCB Staff

2009-01-22T06:24:00.000-08:00

Julie Petrasko Joins Cambridge/Guernsey County Visitors & Convention Bureau Staff

Debbie Robinson, Executive Director of the Cambridge/Guernsey County Visitors & Convention Bureau announced today that Julie Petrasko has been named tourism counselor for the VCB.

“Julie’s duties will focus on greeting our visitors to the Tourist Information Center in Historic Downtown Cambridge and sharing with them valuable information about our area attractions, giving directions, and answering their questions,” said Robinson.

Among her other duties as a tourism counselor, Petrasko will respond to phone and e-mail inquiries, update tourism websites and databases.

Petrasko is a 2005 graduate of Hocking College with an Associates Degree in Office Management. While enrolled at Hocking College, she worked as an office assistant in the president’s office. She was a member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and Kappa Beta Delta Business Honor Society and made both the President’s and Dean’s List.

Petrasko joins other staff members Dawn Beasley, office manager, and Shauna Hearing, Information Manager at the VCB. Robinson encourages area residents to stop by and say hello to Julie on Wednesdays, Saturdays and holidays.

To learn more about Cambridge/Guernsey County area events and activities, visit the Cambridge/Guernsey County VCB office at 627 Wheeling Avenue, Suite 200 in downtown Cambridge, call 740-432-2022, email info@visitguernseycounty.com, or visit http://www.visitguernseycounty.com/

VCB Staff Attends 2008 Ohio Conference on Tourism

2008-10-28T11:19:00.000-07:00

The Cambridge/Guernsey County Visitors & Convention Bureau staff: L - Shauna Hearing, information manager; Dawn Beasley, office manager, and Debbie Robinson, executive director joined other tourism industry leaders in attending the Ohio Travel Association's (OTA) 2008 Conference on Tourism, October 22-24 in Canton, Ohio at the McKinley Grand Hotel.

The Ohio Conference on Tourism , the state's annual conference for the travel and tourism industry, provides educational programming and networking to industry professionals leaders in the tourism industry are recognized for their work.

Delegates of this year's conference attended educational programs highlighted by a keynote adress from Peter Greenberg, NBC Today Show, and Ohio's State Tourism Director, Amir Eylon.

Tourism spending brought in $38 billion to Ohio in 2007 and $2.5 billion in state and local tax revenue.

The Ohio Travel Association is the largest travel and tourism industry association in Ohio with more than 600 members and provides its members with legistaltive representation and educational and sales opportunities. For more information on OTA, visit www.OhioTravel.org.

AAA Pittsburgh FAM Tour in Byesville

2008-09-23T07:20:00.000-07:00

Recently, 40 group tour leaders from AAA Pittsburgh enjoyed a FAM Tour hosted by Ohio Travel Treasures entitled "Hobos, Miners & Winos" to the Southeast region of Ohio. The itinerary included a tour of Warther's Carvings in New Philadelphia, breakfast at the Whistle Stop Deli and a ride on the Byesville Scenic Railway in Byesville, and a visit to Breitenbach's Winery in Holmes County.

Pictured here are the group leaders enjoying their breakfast at the Whistle Stop Deli.

For more group tour information on Guernsey County, check out www.VisitGuernseyCounty.com.

Ohio Tourism Division Staff in Cambridge

2008-09-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

Recently, the Cambridge/Guernsey County Visitors & Convention Bureau hosted the staff of the Ohio Tourism Division for a Town Hall Meeting where they presented the 2009 Ohio Tourism Partnership Opportunities program. Over 40 tourism industry leaders from the region attended the program. Pictured here with VCB staff - front row, Dawn Beasley, office manager and Shauna Hearing, information manager, are L- Alicia Reece, Assistant State Director; Tammy Brown, PR Manager; Amir Eylon, State Director; Eric Herzog, Tourism Information Manager, and Joe Vargo, Marketing Coordinator.

To learn more about partnership opportunities with the Ohio Tourism Division, log onto www.DiscoverOhio.com/industry.

Tourism Leader Participates in Group Sales Blitz

2008-08-26T11:35:00.001-07:00

Shauna Hearing, tourism manager for the Cambridge/Guernsey County Visitors & Convention Bureau recently participated in a Group Tour Sales Blitz to Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Indiana. Traveling with her were CVB staff members from Tuscarawas and Marietta/Washington Counties. They met with 11 tour companies over their three-day trip to educate tour operators on our area as a group tour destination and to sell packaged itineraries to them for the upcoming holiday season.

Shown here is Hearing at Claudia Sanders, a well-known restaurant named for Colonel Sander's wife.

For more information on holiday travel ideas for groups and individuals, log on to http://www.visitguernseycounty.com/.

Team Tourism Learns How to Effectively Use Internet Marketing

2008-08-26T11:20:00.000-07:00

Glenda Lehman Ervin, vice president of marketing for Lehman’s in Kidron, OH and the daughter of company founder Jay Lehman, captivated Team Tourism members recently with her presentation on “Site Fright: Don’t be afraid of the Internet. It’s here to help you!” Thirty Guernsey County area industry members attended the quarterly meeting. Formed by the Cambridge/Guernsey County Visitors & Convention Bureau in 1999, Team Tourism’s mission is to realize the growth potential of Guernsey County area’s tourism industry through education, information, and networking opportunities.

Using the three secrets to Internet success: testing, tracking, and inventory management, Ervin enlightened the attendees on Internet marketing for an hour during a luncheon meeting at Theo’s Restaurant in downtown Cambridge. Driving home the point that customers have choices, she reminded the attendees to brand their product and keep it consistent when using multi-channel marketing. Often using humor and Lehman’s as an example of good Internet marketing, Ervin ended her presentation with “Ten things not to do on a website.”

To learn more about Team Tourism and how you can get involved, contact Debbie Robinson, executive director of the Cambridge/Guernsey Co. VCB at 740-432-2022 or log on to http://www.visitguernseycounty.com/.

Pictured here with Ervin (second from right) is the VCB staff. L- Dawn Beasley, office manager, Debbie Robinson, executive director, and Shauna Hearing, information manager.

Tourism Leaders Travel PA to Promote Tourism in Guernsey County

2008-08-22T10:59:00.000-07:00

Jonett Haberfield, Dickens Victorian Village co-chair and Debbie Robinson, executive director of Cambridge/Guernsey County Visitors & Convention Bureau, recently spent the day in Wexford, Pennsylvania at the Chadwick with 120 group tour leaders from Lenzner Tour & Travel.

Pictured is Haberfield sharing information about Dickens Victorian Village activities and events that cater to group tours.

Groups are now booking tours for the holiday season, so the timing of the travel show was perfect for Dickens Victorian Village and Guernsey County.

To learn more about events planned around Dickens Victorian Village for both groups and individuals, log on to http://www.dickensvictorianvillage.com/.

Virginia Tour Operators Visit Guernsey County

2008-08-12T13:32:00.000-07:00

Ernie Dale, president of Roanoke Tours, Inc. (seated) and one of his group leaders, Arvil from Greensboro N.C., recently participated in a familiarization tour of several Ohio counties to experience first-hand the attractions and events the area has to offer their groups. Shown with Ernie and Arvil is Debbie Robinson, executive director of Cambridge/ Guernsey County Visitors & Convention Bureau at Warther's Carvings in Dover.

Ernie and Arvil spent some time in Guernsey County as well, touring the National Museum of Cambridge Glass and riding the Byesville Scenic Railway. Lori Bates, owner of Whistle Stop Deli, treated them to a delicious home cooked meal before they boarded the train.

To learn more about all of the attractions and events Cambridge/Guernsey County has to offer, log on to http://www.visitguernseycounty.com/.

VCB Staff Attends Ohio's Appalachian Country Meeting

2008-08-08T06:26:00.000-07:00

Debbie Robinson, Executive Director of the Cambridge/Guernsey County Visitors & Convention Bureau pictured right and Shauna Hearing, Information Manager for the VCB recently traveled to The Inn at Cedar Falls in the Hocking Hills to attend the quarterly meeting of Ohio's Appalachian County, a consortium of the 29 Ohio Appalachian counties. OAC's purpose is to promote the Appalachian Counties as a tourism destination. To learn more, go to http://www.appalachianohio.com/.