What's Happening in Vancouver, WA…

Kim Bennett, who has headed Visit Vancouver USA for 20 years, recently announced her plans to retire, according to an article in The Columbian.

Bennett came to Vancouver from the nearby Camas-Washougal area, where she was executive director of the Chamber of Commerce. When Bennett joined the Vancouver organization in 1999, it was known as the Southwest Washington Convention & Visitors Bureau. In her announcement, Bennett said that anything the organization has done is due to the fact that hotel stakeholders and community partners worked together to enhance the experience of tourists to Vancouver. She added she is confident whoever takes over will continue the work the organization has begun.

Mike McLeod is Visit Vancouver USA's board of directors' chair, as well as the general manager of the Hilton Vancouver Washington. He noted that Bennett's efforts have strengthened the organization, and that this will enable it to meet future concerns.

When Bennett joined Visit Vancouver, the city was trying to build a publicly-owned convention center and hotel in the downtown area. Bennett was able to help stakeholders reach consensus, including operators of private hotels who were concerned that the city's hotel would undercut their own hotel operations.

The board members of Visit Vancouver USA will form a committee to find Bennett's successor, whose last day is June 30. In cases like this, banner printing can be used to create decorations for a farewell party.