Pictured from left are Erin Rowland, Bruce Shaffner, Chad Briscoe, Jill Boggs.

WARSAW — Kosciusko County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) announces today that its board of directors has recognized three departing members, elected three new members, and appointed officers at its November board meeting.

The new 2017 board members elected are Kassi Rowland with Tom Farms, Bob Jackson with Grace College and James Hurley with Wyndham Garden Warsaw. The CVB also announced the 2017 officers which are Erin Rowland, Rowland Law Office as Chair, Brian Hartman, PNC Bank as Treasurer and Staci Young, City of Warsaw as Secretary. Matt Metzger with Metzger Trucking/Outdoors was newly elected as Vice Chair. Completing terms are Bruce Shaffner, Wyndham Garden Warsaw, Chad Briscoe, Grace College and Mary Mills, RE/MAX Results who served as Vice Chair. Both Shaffner and Briscoe will serve on the 2017 governance committee.

The Kosciusko County Convention and Visitors Bureau is a destination marketing organization (DMO) that promotes Kosciusko County in order to increase the number of visitors to the county. It promotes the development and marketing of a destination, focusing on leisure, group tour and meeting travel. For all types of visitors, DMOs are an unbiased resource that serves as an official point of contact to fulfill county-wide travel information needs in an easy and efficient manner.

The tourism and travel industry contributed $162.2 million to Kosciusko County’s economy in 2015.

“Each year I’m astounded at the level of experience we’re able to access with our thirteen member board,” said Erin Rowland,  Chair of the board. We have a very strong leadership foundation in place with the entire board and we couldn’t be more pleased with adding these new appointments to our already impressive group. Each of the individuals’ deep professional backgrounds and passionate commitment to Kosciusko County as a dynamically sought after travel destination will bring insightful perspectives to the board and to staff’s efforts.”

“I’m confident the entire 2017 board will make enormous contributions as we support Jill and her team in promoting our destination, serving our travelers, strengthening our tourism partnerships and building value for our stakeholders who recognize the economic benefit the travel industry brings. It’s an enormously satisfying time to be part of the CVB,” said Rowland.

Three departing board members with expiring terms were also recognized. Bruce Shaffner, Chad Briscoe and Mary Mills were thanked for their service by both board members and staff. “Thank you for your years of volunteer service. The knowledge, guidance and expertise that you shared with me in my first year as executive director has been invaluable. Your participation and patience have been especially appreciated by me. I know you will continue to be a strong advocate for our efforts in promoting Kosciusko County as a premier travel destination for a strong economic impact,” said Jill Boggs, Executive Director.