Oct 12, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE          October 2005

CONTACTS: Nancy Hamilton, Lee Rose or Jessica Doyle (239)338-3500

Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) honors Lee County VCB for crisis communications plan

LEE COUNTY, FL-The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau's (VCB) communications department has received a silver Aaron D. Cushman Award from the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) for its crisis communications program for The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel following Hurricane Charley in August 2004.  
Implemented by the VCB's communications department, the award was presented at the 50th annual SATW conference last week in Las Vegas before 600 travel press and tourism representatives.                                                                                                                 
The Aaron D. Cushman/SATW Award offered recognition in five categories including Best Overall Marketing Campaign, Best Crisis Communications Program, Best Creative Writing of a Single Media Release, Most Effective National Publicity Campaign and Best Publicity Campaign for a single property or national brand, promotion or special event.                             
 D.T. Minich, VCB executive director said the VCB is thrilled to be recognized for its work following Hurricane Charley.                                                                                                
       "Days before Hurricane Charley came through the area, our communications department implemented its proactive crisis communications plan.  The goal was to gather information from our industry partners and to effectively communicate to each of our target audiences the appropriate and up-to-the-minute information.  We are very happy to be recognized for the success of this effort and congratulate the communications department on this award."
         The Society of American Travel Writers is comprised of 1300 members of the travel media and tourism professionals. A non-profit professional association, its goal is to promote responsible travel journalism.

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