Bureau Manager Honored

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. - Kelley Mishler, Service Manager at the Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau, was recently recognized as winner, in the guest relations category, of the Pennsylvania Tourism & Lodging Association (PTLA) 2009 Spirit of Hospitality Award.

The Guest Relations Award honors an individual who creates goodwill among guests, provides special services and develops a climate conducive to creating new and repeat business. Mishler was among three finalists selected from a host of hospitality professionals nominated across Pennsylvania.

"Speaking for our Board of Directors, staff and Montgomery County hospitality industry stakeholders, we couldn't be more proud of Kelley Mishler and her tireless work to please our customers," said Paul Decker, the Bureau‘s president. "More so, this is her second such award in as many years, having been named a hospitality "star" by the Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association last year."

Mishler was singled out for her positive attitude and work ethic in accommodating requests for convention and meeting groups visiting the Valley Forge area. She plays an integral role in retaining conventions and trade and consumer shows at the Valley Forge Convention Center and attracting previously lost business to the new Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, in Oaks.

"Kelley's regularly met and fulfilled many unusual requests during her nearly four years at the Bureau, among them arranging balloon rides for meeting delegates and finding a Gospel choir for a veterans reunion," said Decker. "She puts a very high premium on keeping our customers happy, routinely going far out of her way to do so."

Mishler is a graduate of Gettysburg College who joined the Bureau staff in 2005.

The Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau, Ltd. is a nonprofit, membership-based sales and marketing organization that aggressively promotes the Valley Forge area and Montgomery County as a convention site and leisure visitor destination by encouraging patronage of its 500-plus member hotels, restaurants, attractions and services. The Bureau's Web site, at www.valleyforge.org, serves visitors, meeting planners, tour operators and residents.