Discover America unveils Canadian board

The Discover America Committee Canada has announced its incoming executive board which will spearhead the organization’s activities promoting travel from Canada to the USA. Outgoing chairman, Adam Wilcox made the announcement, saying: “I wish to thank all of the new executive board members for agreeing to take up these very important positions. I am very conscious of the challenging times ahead for the incoming board and have every confidence that the board will play its part in continuing to bring this organization to fruition in due course.” Wilcox also expressed his gratitude and paid tribute to the members of the outgoing board and thanked them for their commitment and diligent service over their two year term of office. The executive consists of: President: Sana Keller, President of Pulse Communications & Travel Marketing Inc. (New appointment) Secretary/Treasurer: Patrice Bell, Las Vegas CVA (New appointment) Vice-President: Ann Fairley, CAE, vice-president , Ontario Motor Coach Association/Motor Coach Canada (re-appointed for another term) Vice-President: Chris Robinson, Chris Robinson Associates Inc. (Re-appointed for another term) Director: Annika Klint, managing director The KAI Group (New appointment) Director: Kimberly Hartley, Myrtle Beach Area CVB Director: David McClung, president, Baxter Publications (New appointment) Director (Western Canada): Brad Liski, president ACT Communications (New appointment) Director (Eastern Canada): Manny Witt, New England Travel Centre Sana Keller has been appointed the Discover America Canada Committee President. Keller has an extensive knowledge of the travel industry and is a travel & tourism guru with a diverse range of experience, spanning over 20 years. Keller has been a Board member for over 8 years and her company, Pulse Communications & Travel Marketing Inc. currently represents Virginia Tourism, Dallas CVB & Vacation.com. Discover America Committee Canada is also inviting the travel trade to its next meeting. Details are as follows: Speakers: Amir Eyton,Brand USA’s new vice-president, partnership development for North America Laurie Dillon-Schalk, director of digital strategy & innovation, JWT Amir Eyton will talk about Brand USA’s consumer & trade strategy as they relate to the Canadian market; progress made to date since the roll out started on May 1 and the Canadian strategy and how DACC members can get involved by in-kind support, partner cooperative and various ways to leverage Brand USA marketing. Laurie Dillon-Schalk will speak to Discover America’s social media strategy within Canada. She will share the effort in establishing a social footprint for Discover America, and how Discover America efforts are creating multi-lingual and multi-cultural impact among Canadians. The event will take place at the Sheraton Centre Toronto (123 Queen Street West) on Tues., June 26, 2012. The registration fee is $30 for members and $35 for non-members/guests. RSVP via fax (416) 352-5567 or email [email protected] by Thursday, June 21, 2012.