Packer Country Announces Sliva's Resignation
National search will be launched for VCB leader

GREEN BAY, Wis.
August 15, 2006

Green Bay, WI –The Packer Country Visitor & Convention Bureau announced today that Kari Sliva, Packer Country’s President and CEO for the past four years, is resigning. Sliva is moving to Phoenix, Arizona where her husband was recently transferred.

“Kari has done a simply outstanding job in leading Packer Country the past four years,” said Tim Quigley, Packer Country VCB board chairman. “She has guided the VCB to unprecedented growth in the promotion, sales and service of Packer Country as an overnight visitor destination for conventions and leisure travelers.”

Incoming Packer Country board chairman Jeff Mirkes echoed Quigley’s thoughts. “As the area’s key ambassador and spokesperson, Kari has been so effective in building partnerships with many area initiatives to strengthen the area tourism infrastructure,” Mirkes said. “She has been a top-notch leader for the local tourism industry and has positively influenced Green Bay’s reputation as a destination for conventions and tourists.”

Since taking the leadership position with Packer Country VCB in 2002, tourism has grown in the three-county region by about four percent. In 2005, travelers spent an estimated $636 million in the Brown, Kewaunee and Manitowoc counties. Brown County’s eight percent increase from 2003 to 2004 was one of the most significant increases in history, and was the biggest growth of any of the top 10 destination counties in Wisconsin.

Also during Sliva’s tenure:

• Packer Country VCB attained national accreditation, the first visitor and convention bureau in Wisconsin to be accredited;
• Conventions and group sales grew substantially each year, with room nights booked increasing from 140,012 in 2002 to 171,715 in 2005;
• The Visitor Services department was created within Packer Country VCB;
• Packer Country’s Web site (www.packercountry.com) was completely redesigned to include e-commerce, online packaging, and online convention housing;
• The Mobile Welcome Center was launched;
• The successful “Be A Tourist in Your Hometown” community event was launched during National Tourism Month; and
• A three-year strategic plan was developed.

“It’s been such a privilege to work for the Packer Country VCB and with all of our tourism partners,” Sliva said. “Just like Packers fans, this hospitality community is second to none. I’ve been blessed with an incredibly progressive and supportive board of directors and the best, most talented, staff in the world. I will miss Green Bay beyond measure.”

Sliva will remain with Packer Country until October 20, 2006 and will assist in the national search for a replacement and aid in the transition process. Packer Country board member and treasurer Adrian Ulatowski, an attorney with Davis & Kuelthau, s.c., will chair the search committee.

Sliva adds that she will wait until she moves to Arizona to begin a job search. Sliva’s husband, Randy, is employed by Minneapolis-based Donaldson Company, Inc., a worldwide leader in filtration systems and replacement parts.

###

Packer Country Visitor & Convention Bureau is the regional destination marketing organization committed to improving the visitor experience and increasing the economic impact of tourism to its communities. For more information call 888-867-3342 or visit us online at www.packercountry.com.