Visitors Bureau working in new home

By Peggy Mazyck
Executive Director, Mercer CountyConvention and Visitors Bureau

In 1996, the Mercer County Convention and Visitors Bureau decided to step out as an independent organization.

With an executive director, volunteers and an “almost-rent-free room,” they operated a growing tourism program in Mercer for two years.

Though they needed more room and a bigger budget, they were successful and had great expectations of the future.

They were confident that one day they would have a great facility, a competitive budget and millions of visitors from all over the country flocking to the wonderful attractions throughout Mercer County.

However the agency only had a base budget of about $112,000 with cooperative advertising increasing that amount to about $351,000.

There were not enough funds to cover additional staff or a beautiful building or for additional marketing and advertising.

The 180 members of the organizations were stretching their resources to the limit.

Then one day another county agency, the Council of Governments, offered them the opportunity to become partners with a 4,000-square-foot visitors center/transit center in downtown Sharon.

And their legislators agreed to help them get a state amendment passed that would provide dedicated funding to the agency.

This year the agency stands poised on the brink of a new era for tourism in Mercer County.

Their hopes for 2000 include adding new marketing to generate more and longer overnight stays in the county and adding new services to enhance group and consumer visits to the county.

They are seeking volunteers who are outgoing and knowledgeable about area attractions to serve as tour guides for fan assignments. Interested individuals should call me at 3463771.

So now with a new facility, the prospect of dedicated funding and the addition of new programs, they all lived happily ever after ... well maybe.

Since life is not a fairy tale, a lot of effort, dedication and vision will determine the outcome.

Presently, tourist spending in Mercer County is about $186 million, with an economic impact of more than $56 million annually.

The agency will have its work cut out to maintain and increase these numbers.

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