Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/4253
LARRY ALEXANDER, who has served as president and CEO of the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau for 12 years, has spearheaded the suc- cessful transition of the organiza- tion into metro Detroit's leading tourism economic development agency. He was responsible for the creation of the Tourism Economic Development Council, a Bureau subsidiary that has implemented several new tourism improvement projects in the Detroit region, including highway beautification, convention center expan- sion studies, hospitality training, local and national image enhancement projects and other infrastructure enhance- ments. Alexander also created the Detroit Metro Sports Commission, another wholly-owned Bureau subsidiary charged with marketing the region as a destination to host marquee sporting events as well as amateur sports. Alexander led the effort that landed Super Bowl XL and the NCAA Men's Final Four, the AAU Junior Olympics and the USBC Women's Bowling Championship, among many other sporting events. Alexander's core responsibilities include directing a staff Black Meetings & Tourism October/November 2009: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 45 B Y G L O R I A M . H E R B E RT Mississippi_River boat Photo Credit: Dan Brandenbur Once again it's time for our annual review of the progress and success of those African- Americans who continue to make signifi- cant contributions to our industry. Knowing how competitive the meetings/hospitality/travel industry is, especially during these difficult economic times, it's all the more remarkable that the individuals pro- filed here are moving purposefully forward in their collec- tive quest for personal and professional excellence. It is also a testament to their commitment to our community to break down barriers, raise the glass ceiling, and pave the way for others to follow in their footsteps. One highlight if this year's list is the ascension of Elliott Ferguson to the position of President/CEO of Destination DC. Ferguson has worked tirelessly for a series of convention & visitors bureaus over his more than 20 years in our indus- try, and is well deserving of his most recent promotion. As Ferguson joins the elite club of African-American bureau presidents, one of his counterparts Jon Manns drops from the list after leaving his post as head of the DeKalb, GA CVB. New this year is Al Hutchinson, who could not be denied with his outstanding performance at the Virginia Beach CVB, while the familiar face of Ronnie Burt is back, albeit this time with the Indianapolis CVA. Also returning is Brenda Scott, the industry's first African-American female to head a con- vention and visitors bureau in the nation (Mobile), and now serving as vice president of Sales and Marketing for the Bryan-College Station Convention & Visitors Bureau. Putting together this list every year makes us, and I hope you, so very proud of those who we are recognizing. But as a result of the process involved it also becomes obvious that so much more needs to be done in the area of diversity and inclusion. As always, those listed here are to be commended for their achievements, their tenacity, and their determination to succeed in an industry that has been slow to embrace the concept of inclusiveness. Overcoming the challenges they've had to face in order to reach the top of their pro- fession, they've earned the right to your respect, admira- tion and recognition. And most importantly, they deserve your consideration when it comes to booking business with them, for them or from them. THE MOST INFLUENTIAL AFRICAN-AMERICANS I N T H E M E E T I N G S / T O U R I S M I N D U S T R Y