Van Dommelen leads
Virginia Beach CVB
Brad Van Dommelen is the new director of the Virginia Beach CVB. He began
working in his new position April 7.
Van Dommelen came to the CVB
from the Traverse City CVB in Michigan,
where he had been president since
2005. Prior to that he was the senior vice
president of strategic business development at the Detroit Metro CVB.
“Brad impressed me and the interview panel, which included members
of our tourism industry and city staff,”
says Dave Hansen, Virginia Beach city
manager. “He brings the experience and
ideas we were looking for to take our
CVB into the next decade, promoting
Virginia Beach as a year-round leisure,
business, meetings and conventions,
international and amateur sports
destination.”
“If you look around the country at
the CVBs who are doing great things,
Virginia Beach is a leader, and I want
to be a part of that effort,” says Van
Dommelen. “I’ve been so fortunate
to work in and help shape some very
dynamic organizations, and I’m looking
forward to working to expand Virginia
Beach’s footprint for convention and
tourism business.”
Graceland reaches 20 million
visitor milestone
Graceland, the Memphis, Tennessee, attraction and former estate of Elvis Presley, welcomed its 20 millionth visitor in May.
Since it opened for tours in 1982,
Graceland has welcomed heads of state,
royalty, celebrities and fans from more
than 140 countries. The 20 millionth visitor was a newlywed visiting from London
with her husband on their honeymoon.
In October, the attraction will open the
Guest House at Graceland, a 450-room
hotel with a live performance theater.
St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & the
Beaches VCB adds to sales staff
The St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & the
Beaches VCB hired William McBroom
as its director of conference sales.
McBroom has 28 years of experience
in hospitality. He was previously the
director of sales and marketing at the
Renaissance World Golf Village Resort
and Convention Center in St. Augustine,
and he has also worked in sales for
hotels in North Carolina, South Carolina
and Alaska.
Choose Chicago chooses
new CEO
David Whitaker is the new CEO of Choose
Chicago. Most recently, Whitaker was the
chief marketing officer for Brand USA. His
experience also includes 17 years with
the Greater Miami CVB.
“You can’t help but pay attention
when Chicago comes calling. It’s one of
the top cities in the country; it’s one of
the top cities in our convention world,”
says Whitaker.
In a statement, Mayor Rahm Emanuel
cited Whitaker’s vision and leadership
as two of the reasons he is a good fit for
the job.
Official Corporate Partner
MAKE
getting it all
HAPPEN
With Staples Advantage®, you get one source for all your business needs. Plus these perks:
• NTA contract pricing
• Easy online ordering
• Fast, free shipping
• A dedicated account manager helping with your account
Visit StaplesAdvantage.com or contact your Staples® Representative, Brian Morin, at
(603) 223-2091 or [email protected] to learn more.
NTAonline.com
59