PMVB ANNUAL REPORT DINNER CELEBRATED THE YEAR’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS

10/02/2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alicia M. Quinn / Gillian Moore
Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau
alicia@poconos.org / prdept@poconos.org
800poconos.com / twitter.com/PoconoTourism
570.421.5791

PMVB ANNUAL REPORT DINNER CELEBRATED THE YEAR'S ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Tourism Community Commends the Bureau on Their Diamond Anniversary

POCONO MOUNTAINS, Pa., October 2, 2009 - The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB) held their Annual Report Dinner for the 2008-09 fiscal year at Penn's Peak last evening, October 1, 2009. The event recognized their accomplishments and actions over the past year with the distribution of their Annual Report, while highlighting the organization's 75^th Anniversary.

The evening began with Carl Wilgus, president and CEO of the PMVB, acknowledging nine of the past Chairman of the PMVB Executive Committee in attendance. The following Pocono Tourism organizations were also commended for being in operation for 75 years or more: This Week in the Poconos (1931), Sherman Theater (1929), Ehrhardt's Waterfront Resort (1929), Skytop Lodge (1928), Fernwood Hotel & Resort (1921), Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort (1911), Shawnee Playhouse (1909), Bushkill Falls (1904), Inn at Pocono Manor (1902), Cliff Park Inn (1900) and Mauch Chunk Opera House (1882).

As the evening continued, the PMVB was acknowledged with a letter from Governor Edward G. Rendell and Citations from The Pennsylvania Senate and The House of Representatives for their longstanding commitment to the tourism industry.

"This year's Annual Report Dinner was particularly noteworthy due to our 75^th Anniversary," said Wilgus. "It was an opportunity and honor to recognize not only those who had a profound impact on the Bureau, but also the events that helped to shape tourism here in the Pocono Mountains over the past 75 years."

The first recipient of the Gail Sterrett Marketing Award was Gina Bertucci, marketing director of Fernwood Hotel & Resort. The award was given in memory of Gail Sterrett, marketing director of the PMVB for nearly 25 years, whose life was tragically cut short earlier this year. Bertucci received this accolade for her dedication, hard work and professionalism in the Hospitality Sales and Marketing field that mirrored Sterrett's passion for her work.

Ron Logan, past Chairman of the PMVB Executive Committee and longtime Board of Directors member, was recognized for his service of over 50 years to the Pocono Mountains Tourism Industry. Although he has officially retired from the Board this year, he continues to operate The French Manor Inn and Spa in South Sterling.

Ed Mayotte, Chair of the PMVB Executive Committee for the past two years, was also recognized for his outstanding service to the organization.

Four Outstanding Partnership Awards were given to organizations who have made a tremendous impact on the Pocono Mountains tourism community. The recipients included PPL Corporation for their land contribution for the new Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center, the Hawley/Lake Wallenpaupack Chamber of Commerce for their commitment to the Visitors Center, the Delaware Water Gap Joint Toll Booth Commission for their substantial contributions for highway beautification and Five Star Precision Printing, Inc. for the generous donation of Gail Sterrett's Memorial program and the PMVB's 75^th Anniversary calendar.

A gold pin was also awarded to a nominated individual who, after completing the Brand Enculturation program, demonstrated their extensive program knowledge while on the job. The newest ambassador is Nikki Hurley, director of marketing at Pocono Whitewater.

The evening concluded with entertainment by Bob Crosby Bob Cats and Orchestra, whose origins also date back to 1934.

To obtain a copy of this year's Annual Report, please contact Nicole Krieger at nicole@poconos.com or 570.421.5791.

About the Pocono Mountains

With 2,400 square miles encompassing Pennsylvania's Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties, the Pocono Mountains region is home to rolling mountain terrain, breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls, thriving woodlands and 170 miles of winding rivers. Winters offer guests the opportunity to ski, snowboard, snow tube and even snowshoe their way through snowy wonderlands encompassing over 163 ski trails, while summers also cater to the active traveler allowing exploration of 261miles of hiking and biking trails, over 35 golf courses, whitewater rafting, boating, fishing and open access to nine state and two national parks.

Any time of year is a good time to visit the Pocono Mountains, located within driving distance of most major East Coast cities. This region teeming with history offers year-round cultural tours and art exhibitions, abundant antiquing and brand-name shopping and a full calendar of festivals showcasing the heritage, music and food of the Pocono Mountains.

Even the most discerning traveler will find comfortable accommodations in the Pocono Mountains, which offers an eclectic mix of resorts, distinctive properties and quaint, country inns and bed and breakfasts.

Pocono Mountains visitor information is available online at www.800poconos.com or by phone at 800-POCONOS (800-762-6667). Follow @PoconoTourism on Twitter to stay current with up-to-date information. Established in 1934, the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau is a private, non-profit, membership organization. The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for the four counties of Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne in northeastern Pennsylvania.

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