LAUREL HIGHLANDS, PA., (February 24, 2016) – Reneé Seifert, President of the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau® (LHVB), announced today the appointment of Louise Bates as Sales Development Manager. 

“In this newly-created position, Louise will work closely with our partners to develop strategic sales and marketing opportunities and build awareness of the incredible travel and tourism opportunities in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands," said Seifert. "Her passion for our region’s history and heritage combined with her experience and energy will be an valuable asset to our team.”

Previously, Bates was Marketing Coordinator for Westmoreland Heritage and a tour guide for the prominent National Trust property, Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom, as well as Historic Hanna’s Town. An alumna of Bath Spa University College, she resides in Greensburg and currently sits on the board of the Stahlstown Flax Scutching Festival, the marketing committee for the Allegheny Trail Alliance and is a past board member of the YWCA of Westmoreland County.  In her free time, she and her family enjoy the numerous trails and parks in the Laurel Highlands, and occasionally escape to the 18th century at reenactment encampments as a member of the Independent Battalion Westmoreland County Pennsylvania (Proctor’s Militia) reenactment unit.

Under the leadership of Ann Nemanic, Vice President of Partnership and Business Development, Bates will work to cultivate relationships with existing and potential new partners, attend consumer travel shows, maintain an active role in regional chambers of commerce and other organizations and assist partners with marketing opportunities offered by the LHVB in markets such as Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Cleveland and Columbus.

“The Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau is beyond excited to have Louise join the team as Sales Development Manager,” said Nemanic. “Her individual experience as a previous ‘marketing partner’ will allow her to share a personal story with the new tourism businesses she will meet with daily.  Her invaluable insight will help them understand the various programs the LHVB has to offer and help them choose the right fit for their business.”

“I am thrilled to join the LHVB team and look forward to promoting this wonderful part of the world we live in,” said Bates. “The Laurel Highlands offers a wealth of historic landmarks, a ton of recreational activities at your fingertips, fabulous dining and shopping opportunities, and breathtaking views. What’s not to love?”

About the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau®:
The Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau® is a destination marketing organization dedicated to promoting Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties in Pennsylvania. Established in 1958, the LHVB implements year-round seasonal marketing campaigns throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic to enhance awareness of the Laurel Highlands as a travel destination, which increases overnight stays, generates jobs and contributes to the economic growth and quality of life for the region. 
The LHVB and its partners influence thousands of decision-makers and millions of visitors to choose the Laurel Highlands through direct sales, marketing, public relations, branding and visitor services. Destinations within the area include three architectural masterpieces by Frank Lloyd Wright – Fallingwater ®, Kentuck Knob and Duncan House; Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, the Flight 93 National Memorial, Idlewild and Soak Zone, whitewater rafting at Ohiopyle State Park and so much more. 
Located within 200 miles of the major metropolitan areas of Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Cleveland and Washington D.C., the Laurel Highlands can be easily accessed from exits 67, 75, 91 and 110 of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
To discover all that the Laurel Highlands has to offer, please call (724) 238-5661 or visit www.laurelhighlands.org, www.facebook.com/laurelhighlandsPA and www.twitter.com/laurelhighlands. 
Check out the 2016 Laurel Highlands Destination Guide!