December 1, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Denene Wilmeth to Retire from DACVB,
Board Seeking New Executive Director
DECATUR - The Decatur Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau will be accepting resumes for a new Executive Director through January 29 to fill the post being vacated by Denene Wilmeth, who has served in the position for almost 29 years.
The bureau’s executive director is important to the region’s overall efforts at attracting tourism to the region and is responsible for, among other things:
- The administrative, operating and marketing functions of the bureau
- Preparation of an annual operating budget encompassing all activities and operations of the bureau
- The development and supervision of plans to promote the Decatur-Forsyth area as a convention and visitor destination to area, state, regional national and international convention associations and groups
- The promotion of the area as a center for conferences, workshops and meetings
A full job description can be found on the DACVB web site at www.experiencedecatur.com. Applications should be mailed or delivered to: Jimmy Peck, DACVB Search Committee, 2320 N. Oakland Ave., Decatur, IL 62526.
Wilmeth began her career at the convention and visitors bureau in August 1981 and she and her staff have been heavily involved in the recruitment of events to the area and in the development of local tourism attractions. Each year the DACVB actively recruits and supports scores of sporting events and conventions for the region having played an active role in landing the State Republican Convention for Decatur in 2008. The bureau was also heavily involved in the development of the Lincoln landmarks that now appear downtown in conjunction with the City of Decatur.
Last year, Macon County was one of just 21 counties in Illinois to draw $100 million or more in tourism dollars, bringing in $107.48 million according to a recent tourism economic impact report from the State of Illinois. Macon County also had the 3rd highest percentage increase over 2007 of those counties, drawing an additional 8.2 percent or $8.12 million more than in 2007.
Only Champaign County (12.4) and Tazewell County (14.6) had higher percentage increases and Macon County ranks eighth in terms of the increase in the total amount of tourism dollars earned.
Wilmeth understandably becomes a little emotional when talking about her time on the job.
“The best thing about this job is that there hasn’t been a single day in 29 years that I haven’t loved to come to work,” she said.
Persons interested in the job can contact Jimmy Peck at jpeckjr@hotmail.com. To speak with Wilmeth about her career please call 423-7000.