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>State Tourism Directors >Professional Development Sections
NCSTD Professional Development Sections
Professional Development Sections within the NCSTD provide forums for state tourism office staff in specific function areas with peer communications and networking. The section groups are structured and self-managed under the direction of a Volunteer Coordinator approved by the board of NCSTD, with guidance provided by a State Tourism Director Board Member designated by the Board of the NCSTD to act as a communications channel between the section and the NCSTD, and Staff support from the National Councils Division of TIA.
What is the purpose of the Professional Development Sections?
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The Professional Development Sections establish critical networks of valuable contacts through which staff can share experiences, success stories, seek advice from others in similar positions, and ultimately increase professional effectiveness.
What are the benefits of participating in a Professional Development Section?
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Real-time access to your colleagues around the country. The electronic listserv connects you to your peers, enabling you to learn, share, commiserate and build a strong network that will enhance your performance and the performance of your organization. Through the listserv network, you will have direct access to the collective knowledge and experience of your peers around the country. To join a listserv, please contact the National Councils Department Riley at 202.408.8422 or send an email to ncstd@tia.org.
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Opportunity to participate in open forum discussions and information-sharing exchanges. Most Professional Development Sections meet at least once a year, usually in conjunction with ESTO. Such meetings may be agenda driven or open-forum style discussions. Plan to attend and make the most of these networking opportunities to build personal relationships with your colleagues in other states and put faces to email addresses on your listserv. In any event, they are an excellent opportunity to really engage your peers, to ask questions, raise ideas and share successes and/or challenges that affect your particular staff function area.
How do I sign up for a Professional Development Section?
- Let your state tourism director know that you are interested in joining a NCSTD Professional Development Section or contact the volunteer coordinator for your function area listed below.
Marketing/Advertising
Coordinator: Casey Ambrose, Director of Advertising and Fulfillment, Arizona Department of Tourism
Board liaison: George Zimmermann, Vice President, Travel Michigan, Michigan Economic Development Corp.
Public Relations
Coordinator: Jennifer Jasper, Deputy Director of Communiactions, California Travel and Tourism Commission
Board liaison: Betsy Baumgart, Division Administrator, Montana Promotions Division
Research
Coordinator: Barry Pitegoff, Vice President, Research, VISIT FLORIDA
Board liaison: Chad Prosser, Director, South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism
Travel Information/Welcome Centers
Coordinator: Cindi Meharg, Colorado Welcome Center Program Director, Colorado Office of Tourism
Board liaison: Amy Vaughan, Tourism Director, Indiana Office of Tourism
Travel Trade
Coordinator: Teresa O'Neill, Director of International and Domestic Travel Trade, Oregon Tourism Commission
Board liaison: Bruce Hyde, Commissioner, Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing
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