Black Meetings and Tourism

Black Meetings & Tourism February/March 2009: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 8 Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club , which hosts the annual PGA TOUR Transitions Championship, has named Rodney Green as its new director of golf. Green will oversee all golf operations at Innisbrook, including daily oversight of all four of the resort's championship golf cours- es, merchandising for three golf shops, golf instruction, operating and capital budgets, staffing, and the Transitions Championship, to be held March 16-22, 2009, on the Copperhead Course. Green replaces longtime Director of Golf Jay Overton, who is now the resort's host professional. A 19-year veteran of the golf industry, Green spent the last 11 years working in Orlando for the Walt Disney World Company, most recently as head golf professional and director of instruction for Disney's two premier championship golf courses. Green's attention to detail resulted in continued increases in annual golf rounds, improved operating efficiencies, and exceptional service standards and customer satisfaction ratings. Green also managed and oversaw the PGA TOUR's Children's Miracle Network Classic for the last five years, and is a member of the PGA Advisory Board. "It's an honor to welcome Rodney as our new director of golf," said Resort Managing Director Chuck Pomerantz . "His experience in the industry has proven he is an innovative leader in managing golf operations of this caliber, and we are sure he will bring many positive enhancements to Innisbrook and continue to exceed the expectations of our resort guests and members." Innisbrook owner Salamander Hospitality , which was founded by noted entrepreneur and philanthropist Sheila C. Johnson , began an aggressive renovation of the resort immediately upon purchasing the property in July 2007. With the project now nearing completion, the resort offers 65,000 sq. ft. of remodeled meeting space for large or small meetings, special events, weddings and family gatherings, three newly remodeled clubhouses to including new restaurants, the gourmet Market Salamander, and a centralized guest registration area with a new bar and patio. Guests are now also enjoying a new 4,000-sq. ft. fitness center, and eagerly anticipate the opening of the resort's first luxury spa in early 2009. Green can be reached at (727) 942-2000 N E W S M A K E R S INNISBROOK RESORT AND GOLF CLUB APPOINTS RODNEY GREEN AS DIRECTOR OF GOLF Former Disney Professional to Oversee All Golf Operations at 900-Acre Resort The Columbia Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is pleased to announce one of their own receiving a distinguished award. Twila Jones , a CVB sales manager, received the 2008 Presidential Award from the South Carolina Baptist Congress of Christian Education Auxiliary . The award was presented to Jones for going beyond the call of duty in providing outstanding service to Christian education in assisting with the hosting of the 102nd Annual Session. The award is given every year to a business person who works toward the host- ing of the Annual Session. It is usually someone who has gone beyond the call of duty and has worked overtime for the Congress. Reverend James H. Cokley of the SC Baptist Congress of Christian Education Auxiliary stated, "Twila Jones did a magnificent job ensuring that the South Carolina Baptist Congress of Christian Education received the best hospitality and accommodations pos- sible. Having served in the leadership of the Congress for over 15 years and being in Columbia at least four times, this was the best year we have experienced in Columbia and I believe that Twila is the reason." President/CEO of the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism , Ric Luber said, "It's an honor to have one of our own honored with a distinguished award. Twila works very hard and goes above and beyond for her clients. With this group in particular, she was able to utilize several non-traditional properties including a church and middle school. My hat goes off to Twila. She is a hard worker and it's a pleasure to have her here in Columbia." COLUMBIA'S FAMOUSLY HOT SALES MANAGER TWILA JONES RECEIVES PRESIDENTIAL AWARD

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