May 7--LEWISBURG -- The Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau will host the second annual countywide Tourism Summit May 14.

The one-day event celebrates National Tourism Awareness Week and features keynote speaker Berkeley Young, president of Young Strategies, a North Carolina-based marketing and research firm.

CVB executive director Kara Dense called Young "charismatic and entertaining" as well as "offering a wealth of knowledge and experience."

"With more than 20 years of experience, Young is the perfect person to speak on the current state of the tourism industry," Dense said.

Other presentations include the unveiling of the CVB's new Web site and an update on marketing efforts by the state Division of Tourism.

"This year's event is all about the importance of tourism in Greenbrier County and the role the CVB plays to promote the area," Dense said. "With an educational focus, the summit will cover marketing techniques and business strategies designed specifically for the tourism industry in light of today's economy."

National Tourism Awareness Week, May 10-18, is sponsored by the Travel Industry Association. Registration for the summit is $10, which includes lunch by Tavern 1785.

The event will be held at the Cecil H. Underwood Youth Center at the State Fair. For more information, contact the CVB at 645-1000.

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