EYLON
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The Union County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) has named Karen Eylon as tourism and marketing director.
“We look forward to welcoming Karen to Union County,” said Eric Phillips, CEO of the Union County Chamber of Commerce. “The breadth and depth of her experience and success in destination marketing will be invaluable in helping to further expand Union County tourism, which contributes significantly… to our local economy.”
In a statement, Phillips wrote that Eylon’s more than 30 years of experience in travel, tourism and destination marketing leadership will help the county, “Continue growing local tourism.” She will begin her Union County role Sept. 10.
“The momentum that has been building in Union County in terms of community, growth and sense of place makes this opportunity so appealing,” Eylon wrote in a statement. “I look forward to building upon all of the great work that has already been done by engaging with stakeholders across the county to develop and implement the marketing plans and strategies that will effectively tell our story and drive additional visitation and spending across Union County.”
Eylon has served as partnership development manager of the Ohio Travel Association since 2015. While at OTA, Eylon helped grow membership and market the Heartland Travel Showcase, a multistate tradeshow that connects destinations like Union County with group travel providers.
Eylon also served for 10 years as Director of the Gahanna Convention and Visitors Bureau, Tourism Development Manager of the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, NY, Manager of Group Travel Marketing for the Greater Cincinnati Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Tourism Coordinator and Manager of the Dayton/Montgomery County Convention and Visitors Bureau. In addition, she has been a consultant for the Marine Trades Association of Maryland and the Marine Trades Industry Partnership. She has also provided marketing, communications, special event planning and project management for a variety of clients through Eylon Communications.
“I’m excited about the future, as Karen brings a wide range of experience and success from other communities and at the state level,” said Ryan Lee, vice president of the Union County Chamber Board of Trustees.
Eylon was the guest speaker at the Union County CVB’s annual Tourism Partners Breakfast earlier this year. At the time, Elyon commended local tourist attractions, restaurants, hotels and government for working together to attract more visitors.
Eylon will replace Tina Knotts, who resigned in June after seven years of leadership of the Union County Chamber of Commerce and CVB.
Phillips said 15 applied for the position. In addition to Eylon, Megan Colwell, manager of the Dutchman Hospitality Group, and Leslie Nannen, vice president of sales and marketing for Schahet Hotels, were interviewed twice for the position.
“I think it’s really exciting that we had such a highly qualified group of candidates to choose from. I think that’s a testament to all the positive things that we have going on in our community,” Lee said.