PARKERSBURG, WV (September 28, 2009) – The Greater Parkersburg Convention & Visitors Bureau recently earned re-accreditation during the 2009 WV Governor’s Conference on Tourism September 22.

The accreditation is conducted through the West Virginia Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus along with the West Virginia Tourism Commission and the West Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association.

Nine CVBs in the State of West Virginia earned the re-accreditation distinction in 2009. WV Tourism Commission Chairman Oshel Craigo honored the 2009 recipients with a plaque at the annual tourism conference September 22, 2009 in Snowshoe, WV.

“This is a significant achievement for a CVB and is the Greater Parkersburg CVB’s second accreditation,” Greater Parkersburg CVB President and CEO Steve Nicely said. “We were among the first in the state to earn accreditation in 2006 and are thrilled to be among the few and the proud to be re-accredited in 2009.”

“Accreditation serves to recognize that a CVB is fulfilling its mission and function within a community and is doing so in a highly professional manner. We believe the accreditation process to be very important within the tourism industry and take the process seriously. It is not an easy task for CVBs and is something to strive for,” West Virginia Division of Tourism Commissioner Betty Carver said.

The accreditation program was first implemented in West Virginia in 2006 and was modeled after similar programs in surrounding states. The program was designed to raise the level of professionalism, as well as recognize CVBs who are providing excellence in service.

The process for accreditation included CVBs submitting a completed application and an extensive questionnaire about bureau bylaws, marketing plans, budget, annual report, staff information, and training. Each question was awarded a points value with a minimum total of 210 points needed for accreditation. Applications were evaluated and scored by a three-person committee composed of both tourism and non-tourism individuals.

“The process provides additional accountability and encourages us all to strive for greater excellence,” Nicely said.

To learn more about the Greater Parkersburg CVB, visit www.GreaterParkersburg.com or call the bureau office at 304-428-1130.

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