Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board Welcomes New Staff Members

For release: Immediate
Contact:   John Golden, Communications Director
               610.834.7985
               golden@valleyforge.org

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. - The Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board, still riding the crest of momentum from its May 9 rebranding initiative that positions Montgomery County, Pa., as a premier tourist destination, recently hired three new staff members:

• Lisa Karl, Vice President of Sales and Strategic Partnerships
• Shannon Reagan, Manager of Convention Sales
• Jeffery Yau, Tourism Sales Manager

Karl brings 15 years of hotel experience with her. Her sales and managerial skills at the Sheraton Valley Forge were an asset from the very start of the accommodation, as she was an integral part of the hotel's 2012 opening. She performed a similar role - providing ongoing sales expertise and guidance - at the Crowne Plaza, in both its Valley Forge and Philadelphia locations.

Karl, a Temple University alumni, is a member of the Philadelphia Chapter of Meetings Professionals International and the Pennsylvania Society of Association Executives.

Reagan has ten years' experience as group sales manager, gained at both the Crowne Plaza Valley Forge & Fairfield Inn Valley Forge and the Courtyard Newark & The University of Delaware Conference Services.

This Pennsylvania State University graduate is a business partner member of the Pennsylvania Society of Association Executives and the Pennsylvania State University Hotel and Restaurant Society Alumni.

Yau is a recent graduate from Villanova University, where he earned a B.A. in Psychology and Communications and specialized in Public Relations. Yau, who also studied Business Marketing at the University of Melbourne, sharpened his PR skills through his work with the Villanova Cycling Club, Special Olympics Philadelphia, the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the New York City Triathlon.

Board President Bill Fitzgerald reflects on the new professionals within the organization. "I couldn't be more pleased with the professionalism that these three individuals will bring to the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board. Each of them has a unique skillset, an insightful viewpoint and a drive and determination to help us succeed."

The Board's recent rebranding, which began with a grassroots effort to excite residents about Montgomery County, Pa., is now ready for a further reach, Fitzgerald explains. "We began on May 9 with a call to action for everyone who works, plays and lives in Montgomery County: Share the good news. Share the joy of Montgomery County. Our parks, our history, our restaurants, our accommodations. We asked people to gather their posts and photos under a #MakeItMontco hashtag and spread the word about what a terrific destination we are."

That messaging is now transitioning into a national and international campaign that casts the area as the place to Let Freedom Reign.

"As we take our branding to a wider audience," Fitzgerald says, "our new vice president and managers will be crucial in reaching our target markets in the consumer, group and convention space. The value-add they bring to our core of tourism professionals that are already onboard will make us an unbeatable tourism board."

The Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board is a nonprofit, membership-based sales and marketing organization that actively promotes the Valley Forge area and Montgomery County, Pa., as a convention site and leisure visitor destination by encouraging patronage of its 300-plus member hotels, restaurants, attractions and services. The Board's website serves visitors, meeting planners, tour operators and residents, as well as hosting The Pursuit, a twice-weekly blog.