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PR Releases from FOWA Members
03/12/07
Charlotte County Visitor’s Bureau
18501 Murdock Circle, Suite 502
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
941-743-1900, FAX: 941-743-2245
Email: Rebecca.Allen@CharlotteFL.com
Contact: Rebecca Allen
Charlotte County Visitors Bureau
(941) 743-1900
PRESS RELEASE
The Philadelphia Inquirer - Charlotte Harbor Story
Charlotte County Visitor’s Bureau to Host Florida Outdoor Writers Association 2008 Conference
CHARLOTTE HARBOR, Florida (March 9, 2007) – The Florida Outdoor Writers Association (FOWA) has announced that Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands has been selected as the site for their 62nd Annual Conference for 2008. The Charlotte County Visitor’s Bureau submitted the successful bid in December of 2006. FOWA represents one of the most active state writers associations in the country with a membership of 312 top outdoor communicators, conservationists and industry-related companies.
“I’m proud to announce that the Board of Directors for the Florida Outdoor Writers Association unanimously selected Charlotte County as the site of its September 2008 annual conference. FOWA members will have a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the many activities in the area, and to convey all those experiences to their readers, viewers and listeners. It’s going to be great for all involved,” said Tommy Thompson, FOWA President.
“Visitor’s Bureau staff worked extensively on the conference bid and we are delighted that our efforts have paid off,” said Becky Bovell, Visitor’s Bureau Director. “FOWA members are not only an ideal match for Florida’s premier eco-tourism experience, but the conference is also good business. The FOWA conference will account for at least 400 room nights and result in substantial editorial coverage by these media members.”
The Best Western Waterfront hotel was selected as the host property because of its conference amenities and accessible location in historic downtown Punta Gorda.
As part of the conference, member journalists will be invited to participate in pre and post- conference familiarization tours coordinated by the Visitor’s Bureau to provide writers with diverse story content showcasing the destination. Extensive itinerary planning will enable FOWA members to experience a wide variety of natural amenities including: the Babcock-Webb Wildlife Management Area, kayaking, birding/photography excursions hosted by local outfitters, Peace River Audubon Society and Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Don Pedro Island State Park, deep sea and back bay fly and spinning reel fishing, and a geocaching treasure hunt hosted by the Charlotte County Parks & Recreation Department.
The Visitor’s Bureau has been a member of FOWA since 2003. Active participation by Bureau staff with this group generates positive public relations and increased exposure of Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands as a vacation destination. Bureau public relations manager, Rebecca Allen was recently appointed as a member of the FOWA Board of Directors.
About Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands Located halfway between Tampa and Naples on the Southwest Florida Gulf coast, Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands is a collection of nine charming coastal communities surrounding the state’s second largest harbor. Florida’s premier year-round eco-tourism destination, Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands is known for its expansive, unspoiled beauty. The area has hosted seven major feature films, been featured on SAIL magazine’s list of the “10 Greatest Places to Sail in the United States,” ranked by Golf Digest as the “Third Best Place to Live and Play Golf in America,” and rated by MONEY magazine as one of the “Best Places to Live in the South.” For information about area events, activities and attractions, contact the Charlotte County Florida Visitor’s Bureau, 18501 Murdock Circle, Suite 502, Port Charlotte, FL; 941-743-1900, or call toll free at 1-800-652-6090 for a free Visitor’s Guide; or visit the Web site at .
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For additional media information, please contact:
Deborah Stone, PR Director Rebecca Allen, PR Manager
SMITH Charlotte County Florida Visitors Bureau
(404) 368-1245 (941) 743-1900
DStone@SMITHadv.com Rebecca.Allen@charlottefl.com
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