Welcome...to the April issue of Pulse, the official newsletter of the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau. If you have questions, or would like to be included in the May edition of Pulse, please contact Ryan Smith at rsmith@visitRaleigh.com

In this issue...
Staff News | Extra, Extra | Culinary Chat | Which Way? | On Top | Sensory Overload | Awesome April | Dates to Remember

Staff News
The Potomac Chapter of Meeting Planners International (PMPI) has elected Kumi Anzalone to a one-year term on its Board of Directors. Anzalone, the Bureau’s National Sales Manager based in Washington, D.C., begins her term in July 2009. In this leadership role, she has been appointed to serve as the Director of the organization’s Professional Development Committee. PMPI is the second largest MPI chapter in the world with more than 1,100 members throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia.

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Extra, Extra
After months of anticipation the new Official Visitors Guide to Raleigh, Cary and Wake County has hit the shelves. This invaluable guide provides readers with updated travel information for planning a getaway to the Raleigh area. This premier resource for making the most of each visit to North Carolina’s Capital City highlights the many aspects of Raleigh and its 11 neighboring cities and towns through vivid editorial, detailed listings and stunning photographs.

The guide is available to all business and leisure travelers across North Carolina through Welcome Centers, Raleigh-Durham International Airport, the Greater Raleigh Visitor Information Center, and most area attractions and hotels or by calling the GRCVB at (919) 834-5900.

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Culinary Chat
The Umstead Hotel and Spa recently introduced Scott Crawford as Executive Chef of its award-winning hotel and signature restaurant, Herons. Known for his refined American cooking, Crawford comes to The Umstead from The Georgian Room at The Cloister Hotel at Sea Island, Georgia, a Mobil Travel Guide Five-Star restaurant.

Explore what makes the Raleigh area restaurant scene one of the best in the country with Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours. The new guided tour company focuses on independent restaurants, local shops and farms and locally sourced products. Tours include Barbecue Bus Tours, Tapas Crawls, Wine Tastings and more.

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Which Way?
The City of Raleigh recently installed 132 new wayfinding signs that will direct visitors to downtown attractions and major entryways. Raleigh’s City Council took on the project due to downtown’s ongoing renaissance of public and private development, including the Raleigh Convention Center, Raleigh Marriott City Center and City Plaza, opening in October. Loren Gold, executive vice president of the Bureau, sat on the Wayfinding Steering Committee.

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On Top
The Raleigh area has topped two prestigious lists. The U.S. Census Bureau has ranked Raleigh-Cary the Fastest Growing Metro, and Forbes Magazine named Raleigh the Best Place in the U.S. for Business and Careers for the third consecutive year. In fact, North Carolina is home to six of the top 20 cities. The survey included Durham, Asheville, Wilmington, Charlotte, and Winston-Salem on the list.

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Sensory Overload
The Bureau has launched an online campaign dedicated to the month of May. The dynamic site, featured on the homepage of www.visitRaleigh.com, highlights more than 150 festivals, concerts, museum exhibitions and more including special deals on accommodations, dining and attractions. Check it out here.

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Awesome April
April 16-19 is gearing up to be a stellar sports weekend in the Raleigh area. Four major amateur sporting events will bring more than 8,000 room-nights and an estimated $2.5 million in economic impact to our area. Tournaments include the Deep South Classic, in which 208 top high school basketball teams from throughout the country will play at NC State University and UNC. Also, the Town of Cary hosts the National Club Softball World Series at Middle Creek Park, and collegiate men and women vie for the ACC Tennis Championship at Cary Tennis Park. The Bureau’s Sports Marketing department has spent countless hours on these events and is the primary host for Deep South Classic and a proud sponsor for both softball and tennis events.

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Dates to Remember
Pirates of the Black Flag. Ongoing; N.C. Museum of History; $0-$5; 919.807.7900

N.C. Symphony presents I Got Rhythm – Mickey & Judy’s Hollywood. April 17-19; Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts; $49-$58; 919.745.3000

Earth Day Celebrations at Umstead State Park, N.C. Museum of Art and N.C. Museum of History. April 18; various venues; Free

Yanni Voices: Live In Concert Tour. April 24; RBC Center; $25-$95; 919. 861.2300

Southern Women's Show. April 24-26; Jim Graham Bldg. at North Carolina State Fairgrounds; $0-$9; 800.851.2990

First Friday Gallery Walk. May 1; Downtown Raleigh – especially be sure to stop by the Greater Raleigh Visitor Information Center inside the Raleigh City Museum; Free; 919.832.1231

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