About SCVA

Dear Visitor Industry Partners:

The Salem Convention & Visitors Association (SCVA) would like to thank you for your continued support over the years! Because of your partnership and commitment to Salem’s visitor industry, SCVA was positioned to secure the City of Salem’s Tourism Marketing and Visitor Services contract, a 5 year contract with the option of two 5 year extensions.

There is good news to report:

· SCVA’s Board of Directors is comprised of 32 representatives from throughout Salem, Marion County, Polk County and the City of Salem. This is a dedicated and knowledgeable group of people who completed a strategic planning process and have contributed long hours to develop a solid frame work for the Association.

· SCVA’s staff is an enthusiastic group of professionals that are extremely creative and have done a commendable job of keeping Salem’s promotional efforts moving forward. SCVA’s staff includes:

· Angie Morris, Chief Executive Officer
· Irene Bernards, Tourism Marketing & PR Director/Assistant Director
· Debbie McCune, Director of Sales
· Kathie Reeves, Marketing & Online Manager
· Brooke Ekins, Convention & Member Services Manager
· Mindi Justice, Office Manager
· Barb Cowan, Guest Services & Volunteer Coordinator
· Bill Rothrock, Weekend Visitors Center Host

· SCVA’s Booster volunteers and Visitors Center volunteers continue to be an active group of devoted individuals that generously contribute their time and energy toward the promotion of Salem. The Boosters have been invaluable to SCVA’s staff!

· SCVA has completed a 3 year strategic plan and a 1 year business plan. Both of these plans will guide Salem’s innovative tourism marketing strategies and service into the future.

· SCVA is committed to promoting Salem and the Marion and Polk counties region. The City of Salem is a steadfast partner and supports regional participation and cooperation with promotional programs.

· According to the latest Economic Impacts of Travel report conducted by Dean Runyan Associates visitor spending in Salem was $221.7 million in 2006, which is a 12.8 percent increase over the previous year. Travel spending in Oregon was $7.9 billion in 2006, which is the third consecutive year of growth exceeding 6 percent.

The news is great! We look forward to working with you to promote Salem tourism, convention and event business. SCVA’s Board and staff is effective and strong; the City of Salem is steadfast and engaged; the visitor industry is growing; SCVA’s supporters are poised and ready to reconnect with a proven and successful organization…and away we go!

Terry Kelly
SCVA Board President

Angie Morris
Chief Executive Officer

MISSION

The mission of the Salem Convention & Visitors Association (SCVA) is to attract meeting, convention and tourism business to the community, and to enhance and contribute to the overall identity and economic well being of the city.

VISION

Serve as the leader for tourism economic development.
Create and sustain top-of-mind awareness for SCVA and tourism in the community.
Foster a tourism-friendly culture.
Develop communication strategies that engage the community.