By Visit Muncie, Inc.—
MUNCIE, IN—The Board of Directors of Visit Muncie, Incorporated, formerly and more widely known as The Muncie Visitors Bureau, proudly announces the hiring of LaShanta Vaughn as its Executive Director.
Vaughn stepped into the role April 22. For the last five years, she held positions of Sales Manager and then Director of Sales at the Horizon Convention Center in Muncie.
“We could not be happier to have LaShanta leading our county’s tourism efforts,” said Jarod Walls, President of the Board of Visit Muncie. “She has been selling our community for convention and hotel business for years, which makes her perfectly suited for the work that needs to be done.”
Vaughn has also held sales positions at the Embassy Suites in Noblesville and the Indiana State Fair Commission.
“There are so many community leaders in Muncie that lead with their hearts,” said Vaughn. “They set great examples of giving their all to make positive change, while showcasing the true definition of philanthropy. I’m incredibly honored to be a part of continuing these efforts while striving for excellence.”
Visit Muncie recently completed a strategic planning process conducted by DMO Proz that specified three major goals and thirteen objectives to guide the next three years of activity.
“So many people in the community participated in the development of the Strategic Plan focus groups, so my priorities will be the community’s priorities,” said Vaughn. “Our citizens have planned the work, now our staff needs to work the plan.”
The first goal of the plan called for a refresh of the destination brand, now known as “Destination: Muncie” and a new website. The Goss Agency and Intersection spearheaded these efforts, which were recently celebrated at a community launch event February 29th attended by Mayor Dan Ridenour, county commissioners and numerous business and community leaders.
“The new brand helped us focus our efforts for the marketing development of Delaware county, and will serve us well into the future,” said Walls.
Other major strategic plan goals include increasing the awareness, appreciation and support of the region’s visitor economy and enhancing the overall visitor experience. Many objectives focus on greater collaboration with other community development organizations as well as the Horizon Convention Center.
Destination: Muncie’s mission is to enhance the economy and quality of life of Muncie and Delaware County by collaboratively leading the marketing and promotion of the region’s attractions, cultural assets, and outdoor resources to attract people from around the state, country and world.
Its vision is for Muncie and Delaware County to be respected for offering extensive, unique, one-of-a-kind experiences that entertain and educate in one of the best settings in the United States.
Visit Muncie, Inc. emanated from The Delaware County Convention and Tourism Commission which is established in the county code and funded by the county inn keepers tax. Board members are appointed by the Mayor and the County Commissioners.
Current Visit Muncie board members include Jarod Walls, Nick Papandria, Dillon Carpenter, Mikah Wilson, Heidi Hale, Ashley Wright, Sally Piper, Kenneth Reed, and Yolanda Taylor.
On a personal level, Vaughn is the married mother of two adult daughters and has one granddaughter, to whom she is teaching her favorite hobby, roller skating.
