New Digital Sales Manager, Promotions, and New Board Members
SMITHFIELD – The Johnston County Tourism Authority recently approved $150,000 in Tourism Capital Grant applications for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2024. For more than 35 years, a portion of Johnston County’s three percent rooms tax has been invested back into the community to build the tourism infrastructure.
“Since the very beginning, the Tourism Authority board has recognized the value of investing in tourism development. When a resident or visitor enjoys a performance at the Paul A. Johnston Auditorium or The Clayton Center, or stays in a cabin at Howell Woods, attends a sporting event, or visits any museum in the county, the Tourism Authority has supported projects to build parks, design exhibits, renovate, and improve facilities throughout the county”, stated Donna Bailey-Taylor, President/CEO, Johnston County Visitors Bureau.
This year’s recipients are:
Smithfield Park & Recreation Department – $30,000
The Smithfield Community Park renovation will consist of converting two tennis courts to six permanent pickleball courts to be used for tournaments to bring in visitors to the community.
Town of Archer Lodge – $5,000
Funds to purchase benches for seating and bicycle storage racks for visitors to the multiphase park and town. The park will include multiple fields, playgrounds, a walking trail, and operational facilities.
Clayton Chamber of Commerce – $25,000
The Chamber of Commerce is housed in the historic Clayton Banking Company building, built in 1919, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. To maintain and preserve the integrity of the building, grant funds will be used for much-needed window repair or replacement.
Town of Selma – $50,000
Grant funds will be used for the construction of eight pickleball courts and sporting facilities (shelter, seating, etc.) at Richard B. Harrison Complex.
Benson Parks & Recreation Department – $30,000
Grant funds will be used to replace the current handicapped ramp on the back of the stage at the Singing Grove, the site for many concerts, festivals, and rentals in Benson.
Ava Gardner Museum – $10,000
Conservation Grant to continue the updating and cataloging of the museum’s collection of artifacts, textiles, photographs, documents with the help of a professional archivist.
Staff and Board News
Due to COVID, staff resignations, and budget cuts the bureau has been understaffed since the fall of 2020. The remaining five employees have stepped up to cover all duties and in the FY24 budget, two employees have been promoted and a new hire started June 1. With Johnston County’s residential population and visitation numbers increasing, it is important that the Bureau be adequately staffed in order to service the needs of our industry partners and visitors.
Ashby Brame, who had been with the Bureau for over eight years, was promoted to Vice President of Marketing & Communications. Ashby oversees all marketing and public relations for the bureau. Kristin Radford, who has been with the Bureau four years, was promoted to Sales & Services Manager. Kristin maintains the CRM database, works with leisure and group sales programs, and handles all county-wide brochure distribution.
Jennifer McGowan, started June 1 as the Bureau’s Digital Marketing Manager. Jennifer is a recent graduate from Ball State University’s advanced degree program receiving a Masters in Arts & Communications. Jennifer will manage all social media and website content, photography needs for tourism partners, and digital marketing with Google and other platforms.
In addition to the JCVB’s staffing updates, two new members joined the board earlier this year. In March, James Hoke was appointed to the Johnston County Tourism Authority by the Kenly Area Chamber of Commerce, and Joan Pritchett joined the board representing the Four Oaks Chamber of Commerce. The Tourism Authority is made up of a 11-member board, five members are appointed by the County Commissioners and five members appointed by the area’s chambers of commerce (Benson, Clayton, Four Oaks, Kenly and Triangle East Chambers) and the County Finance Officer, Chad McLamb, serves as an Ex-officio member.
