[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau director selected for position in Florida

[Press Releases]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Bill Watkins, City Manager - (573) 874-6338 or Lorah Steiner, Director, Convention and Visitors Bureau - (573) 875-1231 or Toni Messina, Director, Public Communications - (573) 874-7660

Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau director selected for position in Florida

COLUMBIA, MO (January 4, 2011) - City Manager Bill Watkins today announced that Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) Executive Director Lorah Steiner has been selected for a position as director of tourism for Charlotte County, Fla., pending final approval by that county's board of commissioners next Tuesday. Her last day with the Columbia CVB is expected to be Feb. 15, and she will start her new position on Feb. 28.


"I'm leaving one exceptional community and a phenomenal CVB staff for another great destination with slightly warmer weather," Steiner said. "I'm looking forward to new challenges, but Columbia will always have a very special place in my life and in my heart. It has been a tremendous honor to work under the guidance of both Ray Beck and Bill Watkins."


"I have always been very proud to say that I work for the city of Columbia," Steiner said.


Watkins said that Steiner continually and effectively advocated for all aspects of the community, both as a travel destination and as a place to live. "Lorah found opportunities everywhere, especially with our local arts and cultural offerings," Watkins said. "She is an expert in forging strong partnerships, and we will miss her ability to bring people together for a common cause. She is generous in spirit and energy, and I wish her the best."


Steiner has been the director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau since 1987.  She was formerly the director of field marketing for the North Central and Southern U.S. for Ramada Corp. In more than 30 years in the hospitality industry, Steiner has received many local and state awards, served as past president of Meeting Planners International - St. Louis and is currently president of the Missouri Motion Media Association.


Watkins said that he plans to start a search for Steiner's replacement in the coming weeks. "We will advertise nationally, and I will ask an advisory committee to help with the process." Watkins said that an interim director will be named later.



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