Published: January 27, 2009 04:39 pm      

Tourism Commission welcomes new members

DANVILLE — — The Hendricks County Tourism Commission recently bid farewell to the final original commission member while welcoming new additions. After serving 10 years on the commission, Debra Beasley retired from the group.

“My time with the tourism commission has been well spent,” Beasley said. “I have enjoyed watching the organization grow into what it is today, and I am never going to be far away. The HCCVB will always remain near and dear to me.”

Beasley said she will remain in Danville and involved with her family business, Beasley’s Orchard, along with her husband John.

Beasley received recognition from the commission, honoring her 10 years of service, as well as the Distinguished Hoosier Award from Gov. Mitch Daniels. She was presented the award on behalf of Sen. Connie Lawson by HCCVB Executive Director Emory Lencke.

Prior to the presentations, Beasley stood by as her daughter-in-law, Jill Aichinger, was sworn in as the newest member of the commission, replacing Beasley. Aichinger will serve a two-year appointment by the Hendricks County Commissioners. She is also a resident of Danville, and is market manager at Beasley’s Orchard.

In additional news, the commission elected new officers. Lynne Fuller of Danville, president of F2/Inc., a tourism and economic impact consulting firm, was named president for a third term. Kent McPhail with the Plainfield Chamber of Commerce will be vice president, Allan Bolante of the Comfort Suites of Brownsburg will serve as treasurer, and Lewis White of Avon and Lew White Tours was named secretary.

The commission includes nine members of the tourism community and all must be residents of the county. Seven of the nine members are appointed by the county commissioners, and the Town of Plainfield appoints two of the members, in accordance with the Indiana state statute.

The remaining commission members are Richard “Dick” Thompson of North Salem, Hendricks County Council; Michelle Sieradzki of Avon, group sales and hospitality manager of O’Reilly Raceway Park; and Janet Hicks of Avon, banquet manager at Primo West Banquet and Conference Center. The two newest members of the commission include Aichinger and Jennifer Smith of Danville, director of sales for the Staybridge Suites and the Holiday Inn Express, both in Plainfield.

The Hendricks County Tourism Commission is dedicated to the advancement of the county communities through increasing the awareness outside of Hendricks County of the attractions and economic value within the county. For more information, visit the website at www.TourHendricksCounty.com or call 718-8750.