Black Meetings and Tourism

July / August 2018

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B M & T ••• July/August 2018 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 11 "I love Cincinnati, and I've had the privilege of spending my career promoting the people and organizations who make it such a special place," said Calvert. "It's an exciting time to lead the CVB, and I can't wait to get started with our board and executive com- mittee to cast the vision and map our most urgent priorities." "I've had the great pleasure of working closely with Julie for many years, and I never cease to be impressed with her leadership, strategic insight, attention to detail and genuine love of Cincinnati," added Delores Hargrove Young, former board chair of the Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Julie was a key advocate to the launching of CVB's Supplier Diversity Program and supported the development of our multicultural marketing channel. There isn't a person more perfectly suited to take the reins of the CVB." Calvert will lead the CVB at a time of active public dialogue about new destination assets, from construction of the new soccer stadium to expansion of the Duke Energy Convention Center and renovation of both a new headquarters hotel and U.S. Bank Arena. "Cincinnati is at a critical time in our history as our destination wrestles with infrastructure issues to stay competitive in attracting conventions and leisure travelers," added Mayor Cranley. "Julie understands all the destination issues we face as a region and is uniquely suited to lead us in overcoming the challenges and capi- talizing on every opportunity." The Cincinnati region attracts more than 26 million annual visi- tors spending more than $5 billion a year across the region. Calvert has a strong track record of collaboration to build on those impact numbers. From meetNKY and other local CVBs to civic organiza- tions like the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, REDI Cincinnati, Greater Cincinnati Development Authority and Cincinnati USA Regional Tourism Network, Calvert has deep relationships and experience across the region. "With a running start, Julie's focus will be on collaboration, transparency and driving results," added McGraw. "And doing it with an inclusive, thoughtful leadership style that values all the voices that make Cincinnati strong." While downtown Cincinnati has experienced an incredible resur- gence, the implications of a robust convention, travel and tourism industry extend beyond the urban core. "On behalf of Hamilton County, which funds a good majority of the operations of the CVB, I offer our board's congratulations to Julie upon her selection as the new president and CEO of the Cincinnati USA CVB," said Todd Portune, president of the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners. "Julie's experience in Ohio and understanding of the inner workings of the CVB will place her in good stead as she engages local and regional leaders. It's critical to gain their consensus and match the CVB's work with the County's agenda and our regional vision on jobs creation, big box project completion and the County's commitment to becoming the beacon of multiculturalism in the Midwest." Added Calvert: "With urgency, we'll create the comprehensive, collaborative business plan for 2018. Our mission starts with driv- ing convention business and working in lockstep with our regional hotel partners and the Duke Energy and Sharonville convention centers. From there, we'll quickly define and align around the future state of our destination and develop a clear action plan to deliver against that vision. Working alongside our community partners, I'm ready to get to work." A visionary leader and strategic collaborator, Calvert is a gradu- ate of Leadership Cincinnati Class 37, and was named one of the Cincinnati Business Courier's Forty Under 40. She serves on the Hamilton County Commission on Women and Girls, the Board of the Cincinnati Music Festival, a former Cabinet Member for the ArtsWave Annual Community Campaign, and has volunteered in leadership roles with several other regional non-profit organiza- tions. Calvert earned a bachelor's degree from Miami University, and resides in Anderson Township with her husband Chris and two sons. "In the final analysis, among a number of highly qualified, national candidates, we had the best one right here in our region. We couldn't be more excited to name Julie to this critical leadership position," said McGraw. Cincinnati Energy Convention Center

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