Earthscape art project led by sand artist, Andres Amador. Photo by John Ferritto
The Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau (VVCB) is excited to announce that they have been named finalists for the ‘Commitment to Community’ award in Visit California’s 2016 Poppy Awards.
This special project is being recognized by Visit California at the Poppy Awards and Industry Recognition Gala Feb. 23 in Oakland, when the winners will be revealed.
The Visit California Poppy Awards are a biennial contest that honors the best and brightest of California tourism promotion. Winners will be selected by a panel of industry marketing experts in 10 categories ranging from best public relations campaign, to best digital campaign to best regional collaborative marketing campaign.
VVCB entered the awards based on Ventura’s first temporary earthscape art project led by sand artist, Andres Amador. This project was innovative and creative from the start.
The Board of Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau (VVCB) is pleased to announce a title change for Executive Director, Marlyss Auster. Effective immediately, Ms. Auster’s title will be President and CEO. Board Chairperson, Nancy Pedersen, stated “This title is more consistent with industry standards as tracked by Destination Marketing Association of the West, and warranted based on Ms. Auster’s stellar work at VVCB.”
Ms. Auster joined VVCB as Executive Director three years ago. In that time she has revamped and revitalized the organization by building a strong, enthusiastic team that, under her leadership, operates in an environment where new ideas and creativity flourish. That team has put VVCB at the forefront of driving tourism to Ventura and has worked to develop and strengthen partnerships with all stakeholders involved in that effort.
Ms. Auster’s decision to involve stakeholders to develop VVCB’s branding set the pace for VVCB’s overall strategy to grow partnerships and value community collaboration to promote Ventura. Ms. Auster also led efforts to bring sand artist Andres Amador to Ventura to create temporary earthscape art that introduced VVCB’s new branding and created opportunities for community ownership and engagement.
Ms. Auster is highly respected in the industry and was recently elected President of the Central Coast Tourism Council (CCTC). She also was instrumental in gaining Ventura recognition as a finalist for Sunset Magazine’s Travel Awards Municipal Makeover category.
