WACVB Becomes DMA West
After more than 30 years of doing business as the Western Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus, the industry trade association serving destination marketing organizations (DMOs) in the western U.S. and western Canada, is now operating as "Destination Marketing Association of the West.” The name change was announced by DMA West Board President Wes Rhea, CDME, CTA. Rhea is CEO of Visit Stockton. In a companion move, a new name was also announced for the Foundation. DMA West Education & Research Foundation Board of Trustees President Sara Toliver announced the name change for the foundation. Toliver is president & CEO of Visit Ogden (Utah). The new names are outcomes of a Joint Boards Retreat in early 2015. The new name serves to encompass DMA West members, whether a member-organization is a convention and visitors bureau, tourism authority, visitors council, division of local government or chamber/resort association in the West. A new website and redesigned publications/collateral produced by the organization will carry the DMA West name. Enhancements to education programs and new services from the association and foundation are also part of the new format. Today, with a membership of more than 145 DMOs, DMA West provides relevant educational programs, valuable industry research and useful member services.