Jim Clark, CEO of the Steamboat Chamber Resort Association, assumed a new role as president of the Travel Industry Association of Colorado (TIAC) Board of Directors at the association’s Jan. 26 meeting. Clark was voted in unanimously along with Lisa Langer, Vice President; Ian Steyn, Secretary/Treasurer; and Debbie Kovalik, Past President.
Clark has been a member of TIAC for 10 years, and has worked for decades in the Colorado tourism sector.
“I’m honored to have been chosen as President,” Clark says. “Tourism is critical to the health of Colorado’s economy and provides jobs and tax revenue for our state and communities. Advocating for tourism in our great state is a privilege and a responsibility. We must remain competitive and keep the Colorado Tourism Office supported with the proper resources to be successful.”
Clark was named CEO of the Steamboat Chamber in September after nine years as the president of Visit Fort Collins. He has worked in the industry for 30 years, including stints in Denver and Colorado Springs.
Vail Valley Partnership President/CEO Chris Romer, also on the TIAC Board of Directors and a member of the Nominating Committee, says that Clark is the right leader at the right time.
“Jim has the right message to help lead TIAC to new heights as we work as an industry to elevate the awareness of tourism as a key industry segment in Colorado’s economic development efforts,” Romer says. “Jim’s experience in destination marketing and in working with state agencies makes him the right leader for TIAC as we attempt to increase the funding for our marketing efforts.”
First up on the docket for Clark, Romer and TIAC is increasing funding for the Colorado Tourism Office (CTO). TIAC will be talking to Colorado lawmakers about allocating an additional $10.7 million in funding to the CTO, a request with its basis in sound research.
“Colorado is one of the most desired destinations in America, but we still have a lot of work to do to capitalize on the branding that CTO has so successfully established,” Clark says. “An additional $10.7 million in state tourism funding could mean $1.26 billion in additional spending from resulting visits. We can’t miss these opportunities to support the Colorado economy with visitor dollars.”
About the Travel Industry Association of Colorado
TIAC is a non-profit association of Colorado tourism related organizations and associations uniting diverse segments of the industry into one unified voice. Our membership includes associations representing restaurants, lodging, dude ranches, bureaus, the gaming industry, the ski industry, outdoor and cultural attractions, retail, river outfitters, campgrounds, and others. We rely on these associations and organizations to take our message and spread it to literally thousands of businesses across the state, all with an interest in a vibrant tourism industry.
About the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association
Celebrating more than100 years of service in Steamboat Springs, Colo., the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association supports and sustains a vibrant, healthy economy as a foundation for an excellent quality of life. To learn more about chamber events and activities please visit steamboachamber.com or call the Steamboat Chamber at 970-879-0880. 