Central MA Convention & Visitors Bureau Finds New Ways to A-MAZE Community

WORCESTER, MA - The Central MA Convention and Visitors Bureau's newly elected Chairman, Laurence (Larry) Davis, addressed the CMCVB Board of Directors for the first time during a board meeting held this week at the DCU Center. Davis is a co-owner of Davis Farmland and Davis Mega Maze in Sterling, MA, which is a children's discovery farm featuring the largest sanctuary of endangered farm animals in North America, interactive, nature-based play environments and New England's largest zero depth water sprayground. Davis' Mega Maze is the world's most complex, 3-dimensional, adventure cornfield maze.

"I am truly honored to serve the CVB in this capacity, and I am very excited about the many opportunities that we, as an organization, have before us," said Davis. "I am especially interested in the findings presented by consultant Donald Anderson, about the proposed Blackstone Valley Visitors Center and the role the CVB will have as a partner in its operation." Mr. Anderson has affiliations with Purdue University, Destination Marketing Association International and DCG Consulting. He has previously helped the CMCVB on projects such as brand development and a number of market surveys for both the CVB and Regional Tourism Councils. Mr. Anderson offered data and shared information of interest to stakeholders in the region. He presented models of partnerships and advice on how to move forward with the project.

In addition to the research report, the board reviewed goals for the year and discussed ways to add value to membership through business to business partnerships. "I am impressed with the cooperation among the board members," said Davis, "and I look forward to seeing what we will accomplish on behalf of the region."

"We are in a business climate that requires organizations with limited funding to get creative," added Donna McCabe, CMCVB president. "We are fortunate to have Larry Davis' leadership and expertise to help us navigate this unpredictable economy."

While experiencing its own budgetary cuts, the CVB continues to look for opportunities to leverage marketing dollars, expand its reach and increase travel to the area through partnerships and programs with members and key stakeholders. The CVB facilitates advertising discounts and rebates for its members so they can affordably market their businesses to visitors. The Central Massachusetts region is perfect for short-drive get-a-ways, family fun and great adventures for great value. There is so much...so close.

The CMCVB recently secured the 2009 US Youth Soccer National Championships. The event, which is scheduled for July 2009 in Lancaster, MA, is considered to be the most prestigious youth soccer tournament in the nation and is expected to bring 4,000 attendees and a total of 15,000 hotel room overnights to the region, creating a positive economic impact. Visit: www.centralmass.org to learn more a-maze-ing things about the region.

Located in Worcester, MA the Central Massachusetts Convention and Visitors Bureau is responsible for marketing and promoting the Central Massachusetts region as a convention and meeting site, tourist destination, and for increasing the number of inbound visitors. The CMCVB is dedicated to promoting Central Massachusetts to leisure travelers, the general public, convention and meeting planners, group tours, and the media. It is also the primary local source of tourism information and industry news. All affiliations are for the purpose of increasing the economic impact of tourism spending in Worcester County and providing sales and marketing assistance to the members and partners of the bureau.