Dense Named to Inaugural Southeast Tourism Society "Forty for the Future"

Lewisburg, W.Va. (September 19, 2012) - Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Kara D. Dense has been chosen as the only West Virginian for the first class of "Forty for the Future: Travel's Leading Talent" by the Southeast Tourism Society (STS), an Atlanta-based professional association in the tourism industry.

"Our objectives with "Forty for the Future" are to recognize leadership, demonstrate how varied tourism jobs are and inspire even younger people to consider tourism as a career," said Bill Hardman, president and CEO of the Southeast Tourism Society. "All of the them have demonstrated leadership in their careers and communities and are beacons for others."

Those chosen, most of whom were nominated by their employers or professional mentors, and all are younger than 40, represent businesses and organizations in 14 states.

"It is an honor to represent West Virginia's tourism industry and to be included in this inaugural class," said Kara Dense, Executive Director of the Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and President, West Virginia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureau. "Tourism in West Virginia is a lucrative and growing industry and I am proud to play a part. I am confident as the "Forty for the Future" honorees are listed in the future, more and more representatives from this state will be included."

Dense and other honorees will be recognized during a special presentation at the STS Fall Forum in Virginia Beach, Va., Oct. 31-Nov. 2. For a complete listing of the Forty for the Future Class of 2012, visit http://www.southeasttourism.org/forty_for_the_Future.cfm

About the Greenbrier County Convention & Visitors Bureau:
The CVB's mission is to strive each day to positively impact the area's economy by marketing the region as a premier tourist destination. The Greenbrier Valley is the second most visited region in the state with 1.3 million visitors annually making an economic impact of more than $181 million.
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