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How lots of CVBs help reunions
Centrally located Colorado Springs, Colorado, CVB has helped reunions such as the China Marines with nearly 1,000 people to the Snapp family with 39. Robert Konkol, coordinator for the USS Carmick (DD-493) reunion points out that over 50% of military reunions in Colorado Springs are Navy reunions even though there isn't a ship within 1,000 miles. Many of over 50 major attractions are free including the Air Force Academy, Garden of The Gods and the newly renovated Olympic Training Center.
An innovative program of reunion planning created by the Northern Kentucky Convention and Visitors Bureau, has helped them become an increasingly popular military reunion destination. There have been more than 250 military reunions since the "Join Forces With Northern Kentucky" program began in 1992. "Join Forces" provides assistance locating former or lost members, acquiring official greetings from the White House, a military welcome with a color guard, speakers list, media relations support and contact with the US Air Force Museum at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in nearby Dayton, Ohio.
"Military reunion groups are very special to us, and we're more than willing to help repay an old debt to those thousands of men and women who served our country and fought to preserve our freedom," says Tom Caradonio, Northern Kentucky CVB president. Contact 800-447-8489; http://www.staynky.com.
A destination rich in variety and heritage makes Kissimmee-St. Cloud (FL) CVB a one-stop shop for reunions. In addition to being right next door to the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, Kissimmee-St. Cloud is a stone's throw from Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Sea World Orlando, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and a bevy of unique attractions.
The Kissimmee-St. Cloud CVB team will work with you to develop personalized welcome letters, welcome bags, assistance with meeting and accommodation planning. Each January they invite reunion organizers to a three-day familiarization tour of Kissimmee-St. Cloud which includes seminars, site inspections, and most importantly, fun and games. Complimentary accommodations, meals and transportation during scheduled events are offered for the first reunion group representative. Call Debby Rivera, 800-831-1844, ext 417.
The Greater Des Moines CVB can arrange a complete tour of the city, its public meeting facilities and hotel properties based on your needs. They can compile a formal bid packet or presentation for your board or site selection committee. After you've selected Des Moines they provide assistance in securing speakers, entertainment, suggestions for tours, a list of local media contacts to promote your reunion and letters of welcome from the mayor and governor. They can also help develop a promotional piece to hand out and have a wide array of color slides for your reunion publication. Contact 800-451-2625; http://www.seedesmoines.com.
Minneapolis (MN) Metro North CVB researches attractions and prepares itinerary suggestions based on your reunion's interests. They provide a "welcome packet" of brochures, maps and a door prize. The recent USS Ajax reunion is an example of a very satisfied customer. Contact 800-541-4364.
Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, is a popular destination for family and military reunions. The area's historic significance is particularly appealing for military reunions. Valley Forge National Historical Park symbolizes the soldier's determination and commitment in the face of adversity and is a beautiful setting for military groups. Another nearby site is the new American Helicopter Museum and Education Center.
The area attracts some extraordinary family reunions. There have been gatherings of the descendants of General "Mad Anthony" Wayne, George and Martha Washington, Governor Samuel Pennypacker, Aaron Burr, and John Bartram. These reunions generate excitement by revisiting sites which have both historic and personal significance for families and their ancestors. The Valley Forge CVB develops tours or events around your groups' interests. In the case of historic families that may include arranging special performances by actors who bring the period of history back to life or touring sites connected with their ancestors.
Valley Forge CVB put Washington's descendants in touch with tour operator Sue Habgood of American Heritage Landmark Tours, who arranged visits to Independence Hall, Congress Hall, Hanging Rock and Valley Forge.
When the Pennypacker family celebrated the 300th wedding anniversary of Eve Umstadt and Hendrick Pennebecker, Habgood worked with them on historical research and mapped out a route for a four-hour tour. She assigned two guides both of whom were Pennypackers. "We visited graveyards in Schwenksville areas where ancestors are buried. The Steuben House in Valley Forge Park was the birthplace of Galusha Pennypacker, the youngest general in American History who won the Congressional Medal of Honor for his gallantry during the Civil War," Habgood said. CVB staff helped plan a picnic for 300 at Pennypacker Mills, the turn-of-the-century home of Pennsylvania Governor Samuel Pennypacker, now an historic site owned by Montgomery County.
The Valley Forge CVB offers free planning services to appropriate and affordable housing, transportation, party facilities, caterers and other services. Contact Valley Forge CVB at 610-834-7990; lriley@valleyforge.org.
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, and the Hot Springs CVB combine with the rich heritage, scenic beauty, natural thermal waters and exciting activities. CVB-arranged services include Bluecoat Ambassadors, volunteers who welcome you to Hot Springs and help contacting federal, state or local officials to appear on your program. Contact Hot Springs CVB, 134 Convention Blvd, PO Box K, Hot Springs AR 71902; 800-922-6478; http://www.hotsprings.org.
Kingsland, Georgia, CVB works with the Waycross Class Reunion's rotating golf tournament throughout the Southeast. They also regularly assist local high schools. The largest reunion in South Georgia is of the national WWII submarine veterans hosted annually in Kingsland by the St. Mary's Submarine Museum and the Georgia State Commander. They regularly help host family reunions including the Waye Family, a large annual four-day event. The CVB coordinates nightly entertainment and outdoor activities at nearby Crooked River State Park and provide registration bags, assist with catered meal functions and act as your reunion housing bureau.
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