GRCVB Names 2006 - 2007 Board Officers: Russ Smith Tapped as Chairman

Media Contact: Martin Armes, (919) 645-2654; marmes@visitraleigh.com

RALEIGH, N.C. (June 5, 2006) - The Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau's Board of Directors announces a new slate of officers for 2006-2007.

Russ Smith will serve a second term as board chairman. Smith is general manager of the Embassy Suites Hotel Raleigh-Durham Airport. Ed Book is the new vice chairman, David Strong is secretary, Bob Schofield is treasurer and Doyle Parrish serves on the executive committee as immediate past chairman.

Book is area general manager of Raleigh Marriott hotels, Strong is president of REX Healthcare, Schofield is managing director of The Umstead Hotel and Spa and Parrish is owner of Summit Hospitality Group.

The Greater Raleigh Convention & Visitors Bureau, as the official destination marketing organization of Raleigh and Wake County, accelerates sustainable economic growth and development by increasing visitor and convention business. Of note, visitors spent some $1.14 billion in Wake County last year that generated more than $321 total savings per local household in state and local taxes.