MAYOR HOUSTON NAMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

for more information:
Ernie Slottag 789-2235

Mayor J. Michael Houston today named Fred Puglia to be the Acting Executive Director of the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau effective Monday, November 28, 2011.

“Fred Puglia brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new position,” Mayor Houston said. “I originally hired Fred in 1979 to be the first full time Executive Director of the Convention & Visitors Bureau when the Bureau did not have a single full time employee. He developed the Bureau into an outstanding organization that has provided tremendous economic benefits to Springfield and Central Illinois. I am confident in his ability to lead the Bureau and to focus on bringing new dollars and visitors to our community. He has a proven record in being able to sell Mr. Lincoln’s Hometown, a phrase he coined when he previously served in the position.”

“In recent years Springfield has become even more reliant upon visitors to help drive our economic engine. We are fortunate that Fred has agreed to lead the city’s convention and visitor activities so that we can better maximize our efforts to attract new and repeat visitors to our community.”

“I am so excited about this opportunity to serve the community of Springfield as Director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau,” Puglia said. “When I came to Springfield 33 years ago (my family arrived here on November 27, 1979) to take on the challenge of building a Bureau basically from the ground up. I worked with a wonderful staff who was ready to learn and grow, and we did amazing things as the “little guys” in the business. Today I am honored to assume leadership of a mature, professional organization. It’s a different kind of challenge, but we all know that there is always room for innovation. In this difficult economy, we are going to have to work harder and smarter than ever to expand our piece of the pie.”

“I appreciate the Mayor’s confidence in my abilities to contribute to Springfield’s future. I am up to the job and more than eager to get started.” 

Fred will serve as Acting Executive Director until his appointment is approved by the full City Council.