Spencer, IA (CCCVB)--Following a search and interview process, Jill Irlbeck of Spencer has been selected as the next Tourism Director for the Clay County Convention and Visitors Bureau.  She will begin her new duties on February 14th.

Jill most recently comes to the Clay County Tourism office after her years as Event and Marketing Coordinator with the Clay County Regional Events Center.  Prior to that Jill served internships at the Sioux City Convention Center and Tourism Bureau as well as the Crawford County Chamber and Development Council. 
Jill holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in Communication Studies and Business.

“It’s exciting to see the Clay County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau continuing to move forward,” said Donna Fisher, Spencer Deputy City Manager and member of the Tourism Committee.   “This is an important goal of the Mayor and Council of Spencer.  We will enjoy working with Jill in the role of promoting Spencer - and Clay County - and attracting folks to the area as well as serving the citizens who live here.”

“Having known Jill for the past several years, I have great confidence that she will continue to move the CCCVB in the direction we intended,” said Bill Campbell of the Spencer Chamber of Commerce.  “The foundation of the Tourism Bureau has been laid and now it’s up to our new director and committee to make sure we don’t lose any ground.”

The Clay County Convention and Visitors Bureau is a jointly funded project of Clay County and the City of Spencer, which falls under the umbrella of the Spencer Chamber of Commerce and is directed by an appointed Tourism Committee.

A major partner in the development of the Clay County Convention and Visitors Bureau is the Parker Historical Society and their plans to expand into the former Johnston Automotive Building at 7 Grand Avenue to be known as the Clay County Heritage Center.  As plans were being developed, the Parker board was approached with the idea of allowing space for a Visitor Center as well as office space for a Tourism Director for Clay County.  Agreements were put in place that will allow those traveling through Spencer to stop along beautiful Grand Avenue and get information on the communities and attractions in Clay County as the facility opens in early summer.

“I love Clay County & have a great interest in promoting this area,” commented Irlbeck on her new position.  “The more opportunities we have to show our strengths, the better chance we have to draw people to our region.  As I get started, I want to listen to ideas from the citizens and representatives within our communities.”

As Irlbeck begins her new position, she will be meeting with key individuals in the county and its communities to identify the best methods to sell Clay County and the many treasures it offers.  She will be available to give presentations to area service clubs and will participate in countywide events to meet those who have been promoting the county to others. 
Until construction is completed on the Clay County Heritage Center, Jill can be reached at the Spencer Chamber of Commerce office at (712) 262-5680 or at claytourism@smunet.net.