ANNUAL REPORT 2012

MISSION

The mission of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau is

to enhance the economic and environmental well-being

of our region and members through the promotion of

tourism and the comprehensive marketing of

our destination.

Dear Partners and Friends,

I usually begin this review of the past year talking about the business climate in general and finishing by acknowledging the substantial contribution by the PMVB staff, Executive Committee, Board of Directors and many committee participants. But this year I wish to reverse that order. It is a result of the substantial effort put forth by these various groups that we experienced the success we have.

The implementation of new marketing and sales strategies begins with the approval of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors and then relies on the execution of the PMVB staff and additional support from our committees to make it work. That was definitely the case with our advertising, public relations, group sales and social media efforts. The PMVB is plowing new ground in creating noteworthy and memorable campaigns. The increasing utilization of remote cameras to deliver our message and our “relationship marketing” with media partners like WNBC New York, WCAU Philadelphia, WFMZ Allentown and WPIX New York, have allowed us to extend our media message far beyond what our budget would normally allow. Additionally, I need to thank the hard work and great effort by our media buying agency, MayoSeitz Media, who consistently over performs and delivers higher than expected media value to the PMVB and our stakeholders.

Our creative continued with the tagline “Life’s Greater”. This year the creative use of iconography, matched with Facebook contests, engaged our fans to share contest applications unlocking levels of prizes and to compose their own “Greater Maker”. Both contests resulted in significant growth of our Facebook fans through “Likes” and “Talking About This” metric. Of special note is the fact that the PMVB was awarded a U.S. Travel Association Destiny Award for “Single Targeted Promotion” at this year’s Educational Seminar of Travel Officials (ESTO) for our Life’s Greater at the Top campaign from the winter season. We do not develop campaigns in an effort to win awards but they do serve as an indicator of creativity and acknowledgement of exceptional work by ones colleagues. Here again, much credit goes to our marketing team and to our advertising agency, MasterMinds, for their creative ingenuity.

The final numbers are in and by most accounts it was a record year for the Pocono Mountains tourism industry. Looking at the room tax collections for fiscal year 2011-12 the four counties of Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne generated $4,620,881 in 3% lodging tax, a modest gain over the previous record set by 2008 fiscal year collections. We also measured more than 10 million visitations to 77 different locations/attractions throughout the Pocono Mountains and witnessed increased traffic through our four visitor centers, as well as, visits to our 800poconos.com website.

What was a good year could have been an even better year, had Mother Nature not taken such a strong hand in the events of last year. I don’t believe anywhere on the planet last year experienced an earthquake, hurricane and tropical storm within a three week period the way that we did. Having this happen over the traditionally busy Labor Day holiday obviously negatively affected businesses throughout the region, as high water and loss of power affected their ability to conduct business. There was the winter of 2011-12; the winter that never was. Much credit goes to our ski areas for a job well done maintaining a quality experience in spite of little natural snowfall. Thanks goes to the science of “snowmaking”, which I understand was invented at Big Boulder Ski Area and perfected here in the Pocono Mountains. The threat of gasoline prices rising up to $5 per gallon, as many economists predicted, never materialized. That along with good early spring weather helped our fiscal year finish strong.

Finally, I’d like to take a moment to thank the many stakeholders and staff members who worked so hard on our effort to successfully convince two school districts and the Monroe Career & Technical Institute (MCTI) to adopt a post Labor Day school opening. While we fell a little short of our ultimate goal, I pledge to you all, an even more complete and comprehensive effort this next year.

On behalf of all of the PMVB staff, we thank you for your support and pledge to do our very best to promote and represent the Pocono Mountains.

Carl G. Wilgus Andy Worthington President/CEO ChairmanoftheBoard

LIFE’S GREATER ... ... IN THE POCONO MOUNTAINS

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2011-12 PMVB OFFICERS

ChairmanAndy Worthington, Bushkill Group, Inc.

Vice ChairmenJohn KiesendahlWoodloch Resort

Eric EhrhardtEhrhardt’s Waterfront Resort

Arthur Berry IIICamelback Mountain Resort

TreasurerBarth Rubin

Budget Inn & Suites

The past fiscal year surpassed the prior with a whole new list showcasing the leisure destination with some worthy accolades... whether it be from a readers’ survey, editors’ picks, industry awards or travel writers’ suggestions, the Pocono Mountains was highlighted among national mediums:

• AAA Travel awarded the Inn at Pocono Manor with the AAA Diamond Award• About.com recognized the Pocono Mountains as one of six locations for Golf and Fall Color• Away.com named the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area one of the “Top 10 National Parks for Fall Foliage”• BedandBreakfast.com chose Santosha on the Ridge as the “Best B&B to Find Zen”• Best of the Road & USAToday voted Jim Thorpe among the top five “Most Beautiful Small Towns”• CampingLifeMagazine named the Pocono Mountains one of the “10 High Cool Places for Summer Camping”• Candy Hall of Fame inducted Harry Callie, owner of Callie’s Candy Kitchen• HSMAI awarded PMVB a Gold in Social Media/Social Networking, and a Silver in ‘Integrated Marketing Campaign for Consumers’ for the ‘Greater Outdoors Giveaway’ Facebook photo contest• HSMAI awarded PMVB a Silver in ‘Digital Marketing’ for the use of 17 live camera feeds through six television stations• HSMAI named David West, vice president of marketing for the PMVB, among “Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales & Marketing”• Mountain Vista Campground is among 44 campgrounds across the country that received “A” grades in the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds’ fourth annual consumer satisfaction survey • NMPA Myers Brothers Award was awarded to Drs. Joseph and Rose Mattioli• PA Route 6 Alliance recognized Wayne County Chamber of Commerce with the Heritage Tourism Award• Resorts and Lodges ranked Woodloch Resort number one on the list of “Top North America Family Hotels & Resorts”• SmarterTravel named Jim Thorpe one of the “10 Small Towns with Fantastic Fall Color”• Travel&Leisure named the Lodge at Woodloch among its top destination spas• Travel&Leisure named Skytop Lodge one of “America’s Best All-Inclusive Resorts “• Trekaroo highlighted “Relaxing in the Poconos” among the “Top 10 Things for Families to do in Pennsylvania”• TripAdvisor awarded the Budget Inn and Suites the Certificate of Excellence• TripAdvisor Traverler’s Choice Awards named Woodloch Resort one of the “Best U.S. Resorts for Families”• U.S. Travel Association awarded PMVB with a Destiny Award for Single, Targeted Promotion for the “Life’s Greater at the Top” contest

PAST CHAIRMEN 1934-1953 Ted Jenkins1953-1954 Jack Shinn1954-1955 Henry Arneberg1955-1956 Harry Ahnert1956-1957 Paul Asure1957-1958 Leroy Guccini1958-1963 William J. Altier1963-1964 Eric Schuchard1964-1967 Harry Kiesendahl1967-1969 Robert Ahnert

1969-1972 Charles Poalillo1972-1973 Glenn Kissel1973-1974 Paul Asure1974-1976 Peter Ahnert1976-1978 Joan Toms1978-1979 Wes Smith1979-1981 Bill Van Gilder1981-1985 Tony Farda1985-1989 Ron Logan1989-1992 Donald H. Pierson

1992-1995 Frank Kelley1995-1998 Jeanne Genzlinger1998-2000 W. Jack Kalins2000-2002 Larry Greene2002-2007 Andrew Forte2007-2009 Edward Mayotte

Accolades Around The Region...

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WINTER CAMPAIGN: December 6, 2011 - February 28, 2012

Media Buy = $451,662

Media Value = $950,000

Cooperative Investment = $225,000

Out of Home

• Commuter Highway Billboards• NJ Transit

• Interior Car Cards• Train Station Platform Posters• Train Station Display Digital Network

Television

• WNBC (NBC4); New York, NY• :05 Billboards• 15 Live Beauty Cameras

• WCAU (NBC10); Philadelphia, PA• :05 Billboards• Mobile Sponsorship• 15 Live Beauty Cameras

• WPIX; New York, NY• :05 Billboards• 15 Live Beauty Cameras• In Programming Snipes

Online Banner Ads

• Ski Central• Facebook• NJ.com• Yahoo.com• 6ABC.com• Travel Ad Network

Cooperative Marketing Partners

Blue Mountain Ski Area, Camelback Mountain Resort, Fernwood Resort, Inn at Pocono Manor, The Lodge at Woodloch, Shawnee Mountain, Ski Committee, Skytop Lodge and Woodloch Resort Results

Increased room tax revenue generated from 2nd/3rd Qtr was $101,761 year over year, representing an estimated 25,167 additional room nights.

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Bunny Slopes to Black Diamonds

• 14,000 Likes = 150 Fans Win Pocono Tourism Ear Bands• 15,000 Likes = 100 Fans Win Life’s Greater Long Sleeve Tees• 16,500 Likes = 50 Fans Win Lift Tickets• 18,000 Likes = 25 Fans Win Lift Tickets & Rentals• 19,000 Likes = 3 Fans Win 3-Day Lift Passes & Rentals & $250 Loft Gift Card• 20,000 Likes = 1 Fan Wins 2-Night Weekend Getaway, 3-Day Lift Passes & Rentals & $250 Loft Gift Card

Spa Rewards at The Top!

• 22,000 Likes = 10 Fans Win Relaxing Spa Treatment• 23,500 Likes = 5 Fans Win Spa Day with Treatments• 25,000 Likes = 1 Fan Wins Ultimate Mountain Spa Retreat with 2-Night Stay, Breakfast, Dinner & $100 Spa Credit

Sponsors

• Big Boulder Ski Area, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain Resort, The French Manor Inn and Spa, Great Wolf Lodge, Jack Frost Mountain, The Lodge at Woodloch, Shawnee Mountain, Spa Shawnee, Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain

Results

• 13,000 fans, 92% + increase in Facebook fans• 36,361 views; 3,224 entries; 16,791 people “Talking About This” [Facebook metric]• Total Reach of 12,619,807• Total Impressions: 44,750,463

“Life’s Greater At The Top” Winter Giveaway

A custom Facebook application in which fans entered a sweepstakes for a chance to win winter-sport themed prizes. The giveaway was a fan acquisition promotion offering several different tiers of prizes, which were unlocked at each milestone of fan growth, encouraging fans to share the Pocono Mountains page with their own friends, driving up page “likes” to get to the next level. The more “likes” the page received, the better the prizes became. Reaching our goal of 20,000 fans, far before expected, the contest was extended to include spa-themed prizes at each level of fan growth.

SUMMER CAMPAIGN: May 13, 2012 - September 5, 2012

Media Buy = $670,000

Media Value = $2 Million

Cooperative Investment = $330,000

Out of Home

• Commuter Highway Billboards, New York & Philadelphia DMAs• NJ Transit

• Interior Car Cards• Train Station Platform Posters• Train Station Display Digital Network• Train Ceiling Cling• Outside Train Banner• Station Domination, Trenton & Hoboken

Television

• WNBC (NBC4); New York, NY• :05 Billboards• 15 Live Beauty Cameras

• WCAU (NBC10); Philadelphia, PA• :05 Billboards• Mobile Sponsorship• 15 Live Beauty Cameras

• WPIX; New York, NY• :05 Billboards• 15 Live Beauty Cameras• In Programming Snipes

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Online Banner Ads

• Facebook• NewYorkPost.com• NJ.com• Travel Ad Network

Cooperative Marketing Partners

Bushkill Falls, Camelbeach Waterpark/CBK Mountain Adventures, Cove Haven Entertainment Resorts, Discover PikePA, Fernwood Resort, Golf Committee, Kittattiny Canoes, Inn at Pocono Manor, The Lodge at Woodloch, Skytop Lodge and Woodloch Resort

Results

Increased room tax revenue generated from 4th/1st Qtr was $160,524 year over year, representing an estimated 39,635 additional room nights.

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Greater Maker on Facebook

This past summer, the interactive Facebook application gave fans the opportunity to create their own “Greater Than” equation, with the possibility to “become famous” for their artwork.

Get Creative. Go Wild.• Participants had the option to select a pre-set “less than” image, displaying an unfavorable task, such as waking up early. • Next, participants created their favorite scene in the Pocono Mountains for the “greater than” side of the equation, using the dozens of people, accessories, environment and activity items available within the application, allowing for endless icon variations.

Be Famous.• Weekly winners had their icon featured within digital advertising in both Philadelphia and New York City. • Monthly winners were selected from the weekly winners and awarded getaways to various Pocono Mountains resorts and hotels as well as announced on WPIX 11 New York morning news.

Sponsors• Cove Haven Entertainment Resorts, The French Manor Inn and Spa, Skytop Lodge and Woodloch Resort

Results• 8,300 more fans, increase of 8,300 fans• 386 entries; 16,307 people “Talking About This” [Facebook Metric]• Total Reach of 10,899,015• Total Impressions: 45,887,156

800POCONOS.COM

The purpose of the facelift was to address member’s concerns regarding visibility and accessibility from the PMVB homepage; increase member referrals; and provide a shorter click path for users to reach member listings through a geocentric approach flash map and orientation with updated navigation and sitemap. Another goal was to implement a more prominent presentation of social media engagement and streaming live web cams to help keep visitors on the site for longer periods of time and to increase engagement in addition to executing suggestive marketing techniques.

Top 10 Homepage Facelift Changes

1. Gave Places to Stay more prominence in main navigation2. Highlighted Special Offers in main navigation3. Revised Visitors to Vacation Packages4. Pull down options in main navigation5. Social feeds on homepage6. Homepage flash map7. Promotion areas on homepage8. Seasonal site themes/design9. Live web cameras10. Alert module functionality

Consumer Enews• 13 sent to 36,815 subscribers• Open Rate: 13%• Click thru Rate: 3.1%

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A LIVE LOOK AT THE POCONO MOUNTAINS

One of the best ways to market a destination and communicate a brand is by the use of imagery, after all, a destination is a very visual product. So what better way to tell your story of who and what you are, than by offering consumers a “live” look-in to the Pocono Mountains. The “live” cameras that were introduced in last year’s annual report have grown in numbers and media outlets.

Highlights as of June 30, 2012

• 17 “live” cameras throughout the Pocono Mountains highlighting both activity and scenic beauty

• WFMZ Allentown was added last year as a television partner, which makes four total stations along with NBC 10 in Philadelphia, NBC 4 in New York City and WPIX in New York City.

• The added media value of these four stations is over $2 million.

• The “live” cameras also stream over the internet and are able to be seen on 800Poconos.com, WFMZ.com, WPIX.com and member websites along with 800Pocono.mobi. • Across all web and mobile platforms and partners, the camera streams have been viewed 1,913,000 times since January 2012 to August 2012.

• Camera locations include Blue Mountain (4), Bushkill Falls, Camelback Mountain Resort (4), Fernwood Resort, The French Manor Inn and Spa, Lake Wallenpaupack, Shawnee Mountain, Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain, Skytop Lodge and Woodloch Resort (2).

800POCONOS.MOBI

• Total visits equaled 136,631, a 100% increase from last year.

• 106,555 ipad users, a 1,440% increase from last year.

• A total of 285,389 mobile device users, which is a 212% increase from last year. Average pages per visit, time spent and bounce rate all improved significantly from last year.

• Over 2,500 mobile users subscribed to the Pocono Mountains Mobile Community.

• Regular text offers were sent promoting discounts and special offers.

• The “live” camera streams were enabled on the 800poconos.mobi site.

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PUBLIC RELATIONS

Communicating a variety of important messages to numerous audiences is the prime focus of the Public Relations team. Extensive networking and communication is conducted with domestic and international media representatives from consumer and trade publications, television, radio, Internet and other outlets. In addition, the department conveys the value of tourism to Pocono Mountains residents, businesses, public officials and other key opinion leaders.

In 2011-12, the department interacted with regional, national and international media outlets for information and targeted story ideas. New this year was the ability to better track broadcast highlights of the Pocono Mountains.

Results • 2,700 placements, an increase of 104% over last year • Over 1.5 billion impressions worldwide, an increase of 76% over last year • Advertising dollar equivalency of more than $13 million, an increase of 1,301% over last year

The department also facilitated and conducted over 40 regional press familiarization tours and in-state media missions to update travel editors and journalists, as well as pitched nearly 100 publications on destination news and developments.

Writing and editing copy for the Bureau’s collaterals and websites is also an important task managed by the Public Relations team. Among thepublications written by the team were: The Annual Report; Pocono Living Magazine; special tourism inserts in the Pocono Business Journal; Fall Foliage Forecasts; and bi-weekly member newsletters. In addition, dozens of radio scripts and other pieces are written and edited each year.

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Twitter

• A public relations tool.

• Twitter remained one of the Bureau’s strongest social media platforms, allowing for 2-way communication.

• Ability to add and monitor conversation surrounding the destination from both consumers and media professionals.

• Served as an avenue to share and locate press highlights, respond to media requests and directly pitch the destination to interested media.

• 2,538 Followers, an increase of 76%

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SOCIAL MEDIA

The PMVB social media efforts continued to grow immensely throughout this past year, with the execution of two large application-based Facebook campaigns, resulting in over 20,000 new fans. In addition to Facebook attention, the PMVB continued to grow their Twitter network, as the site became an invaluable tool for the PMVB public relations efforts. Finally, the PMVB extended their presence within the social network by creating profiles for the latest, up and coming social sites.

New PoconoTourism Channels

Pinterest, the pinboard-style site allowing for endless photo sharing, quickly became among the top 10 social sites in the winter of 2011-12. Launched in February 2012, Pinterest was a natural fit for the Pocono Mountains to showcase the unparallel scenery within the region. Each pinned photo is linked to 800poconos.com or directly from a member’s site, which increases web traffic. PMVB continues to update content regularly and has quickly grown to over 150 followers since the launch.

Instagram, the photo-editing and photo sharing tool, allows the PMVB to capture images throughout the region and apply unique and artistic effects to share with the social fan base. Since its recent launch on March 12, 2012, PoconoTourism profile has gained 85 followers.

Foodspotting launched in May 2012, will provide a platform for sharing images of signature food dishes throughout the region.

Fall Forecast from PoconoTourism

PMVB launched an interactive Facebook tab highlighting fall foliage in the Pocono Mountains. The tab included a photo gallery of professional Pocono Mountains fall images, as well as the weekly fall foliage forecast and regional color zone map.

Results

• Facebook tab received 8,032 views.

• PoconoTourism Facebook page grew by over 2,500 new fans.

Tourism Day: Intergrating Social Media

The day included a Best Practices in Travel & Tourism panel presentation, a keynote presentation by Peter Shankman and a Social Media Boot Camp. Social media was highlighted as it has become a vital tool in the PMVB’s marketing strategy. Throughout the day the hashtag #TourismDay was used to comment and remark on topics discussed.

Results

• Over 200 tourism afficiandos attended.• 48 twitter handles utilized the hashtag.• 225 tweets were generated about the day’s events.

Greater Maker Member Challenge

Utilizing the Greater Maker application, the PMVB hosted a competition between members on Facebook to build the most creative icon of a scene or activity at their individual properties. Over the course of the 3-day voting period, in which the 10 participating members rallied their individual social bases to vote by “liking” their icon on the page, the PMVB received unexpected growth to our engagement.

Results

• Facebook album of icons received 1,041 likes, comments and shares.

• Most popular post to date, reaching over 25,000 people.

MEETINGS

This year marked significant growth in the Pocono Mountains meetings industry. Meeting leads that turned definite generated an estimated economic impact of $6,586,910, a 40% increase from definite bookings in the previous fiscal year. The Pennsylvania Board of Pharmacy, the Pennsylvania Realtors Association, the County Commissioners Association of PA, the County Treasurers Association of PA, Pennsylvania Land Trust and the Living Church of God have all committed to bringing their conventions to the Pocono Mountains giving more hope for a bright future.

Sales Missions• Attended PA County Commissioners Conference and Expo (July) 1) Won bid over Hershey and State College to host 2016 CCAP Convention 2) Will be the first CCAP Conference in Pocono Mountains in 20 years

• Participated in Rejuvenate Marketplace (November) 1) 29 scheduled appointments 2) Secured United Church of God Feast of Tabernacles for October 2012

• Hosted Meeting Planners Appreciation Luncheon (December) 1) Attracted 21 qualified meeting professionals 2) Partnered with 12 PMVB member properties

• Attended the 40th Annual Religious Conference Management Association (RCMA) World Conference and Expo (January) 1) Church of God – Feast of Tabernacles booked Split Rock Resort 2) Living Church of God – Feast of Tabernacles booked the Chateau Resort

• Hosted Meeting Planners Appreciation Reception (March) 1) Attracted 39 qualified meeting professionals 2) Partnered with 10 PMVB member properties

• Hosted Odyssey of the Mind at Pocono East High School (April) 1) Event drew over 1,200 visitors 2) Generated over $1,000,000 in estimated economic income

SPECIALITY MARKETS THAT DRIVE OUR BUSINESS...

August 2011Student & Youth Travel Market; New York, NYPA County Commissioners Conference & Expo; Seven Springs, PAConnect Marketplace; Chicago, ILHershey RV Show; Hershey, PA September 2011Virginia Motorcoach Convention; Chesapeake, VAMid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance Marketplace; Southern, MD October 2011TEAMS Conference; Las Vegas, NVWPIX Health & Wellness; New York, NY

November 2011Ontario Motorcoach Association National Conference; Windsor, ONGreater NJ Motorcoach; Atlantic City, NJRejuvenate; San Jose, CA December 2011National Tour Association Convention; Las Vegas, NV January 2012American Bus Association Marketplace; Grapevine, TXReligious Conference Management Associations; Kansas City, MOAAA Great Vacation Expo; Columbus, OH 12

David Jackson, CMP, stepped down as Immediate Past President of the Philadelphia Chapter of Meeting Professionals International in June 2012.

1) Brought the Chapter out of “Chapter in Distress” status.2) Membership grew raising the Philadelphia Chapter into the Top 10 among 66 MPI Worldwide Network Chapters.

SPORTS MARKETING

In its first official season of Outdoor Adventure Sports, the Pocono Mountains attracted over 40,000 athletes between the months of April and June of 2012, the largest race being the Tough Mudder held at Pocono Manor in April and May. Thirteen official outdoor adventure events have been scheduled for 2012 and are expected to attract over 50,000 athletes and 100,000 spectators. The Pocono Mountains offer a perfect setting for outdoor adventure races. Tough Mudder, Warrior Dash, Hero Rush and Ironman have already committed to a 2013 season.

INTERNATIONAL

The Pocono Mountains CVB continues to market the Pocono Mountains to international markets through interactive,tour operator packages, fly-drive itineraries, familiarization tours, one-on-one appointment based trade shows and regional partnerships.

• Participation in the International Regional Marketing Partnership with Philadelphia CVB, Visit Pittsburgh, Valley Forge CVB, Gettysburg CVB and PA Dutch CVB. Targets included UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, France and China.• Hosted China Familiarization Tour with 12 delegates in October 2011.• Increased total spend from China visitors 138%, according to Visa Vue Report for 2011.• Participation at U.S. Travel Association’s International Pow Wow and North American Journey’s Summit East resulting in over 75 prospecting leads for the Pocono Mountains.

STUDENT TRAVEL UPDATE

The Pocono Mountains CVB strategically increased efforts in the Student & Youth Travel market. Tactics included interactive, social, advertising, tour packages and itineraries, familiarization tours, sales calls and one-on-one appointment based trade shows.

• Fastest growing major market in the travel industry. To increase student travel visitation, PMVB joined Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA as an Associate Member. Organization is acknowledged as the authority on student and youth travel and serves over 1.5 Million youth travelers annually. • Attended SYTA’s Annual Conference and pitched the Pocono Mountains as a student-friendly travel destination to 53 student tour operators with a focus on team building, outdoor experiences, environmental education and performance venues. Highlighted student friendly lodging options.• Additional exposures included ads in Teach & Travel and on SYTA website. Student Travel content and section was added to 800poconos.com and the development of a Student Travel Pinterest Board was added to PoconoTourism’s robust social engagement.

February 2012Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show; Harrisburg, PAHeartland Travel Showcase; Knoxville, TNPA Society of Association Executives Educational Summit & Expo; Harrisburg, PADestinations Showcase; Washington, D.C. March 2012PA Bus Association Marketplace; Harrisburg, PAMaryland Motorcoach; Ellicott City, MDAAA Southern New England ravel Show; Foxboro, MAYork RV and Campers Show; York, PAMontreal Golf Expo; Montreal, Canada

April 2012International Pow Wow; Los Angeles, CANational Association of Sports Commissions Sports Event Symposium; Hartford, CTCollaborate Marketplace; Las Vegas, NV May 2012PA Convention & Visitors Bureau Sales Mission; Toronto, ONPA Media Mission; New York, NY June 2012North American Journeys Summit East; New York, NYPhiladelphia Tri-athalon; Philadelphia, PA

800POCONOS.COM 1004 MAIN STREET STROUDSBURG, PA 18360

Text POCONOS to 77950 to receive special updatesand exclusive Pocono Mountains offers.Message and data rates may apply.

SpringOpening of Whitewate Rafting/GolfChili Cook-OffStourbridge Line Rail ExcursionsLehigh Gorge Scenic RailwayJim Thorpe’s Birthday CelebrationAnnual Farm Animal FrolicPocono Mountains Run for the

Red Marathon

Summer

NASCAR Race Fan FestivalPocono 500 NASCAR RaceAnnual Great Tastes of Pennsylvania

Wine and Food FestivalDelaware River SojournLehigh River SojournRoots and Rhythm Music and

Arts FestivalCeltic FestivalMilford Music FestivalWildflower Music FestivalStreet Festivals and Sidewalk SalesPennsylvania 500 NASCAR RaceFestival of WoodCarbon, Monroe, Pike and

Wayne County FairsWally Lake Fest

FallPocono Garlic FestivalStroudfestWayne County Wine & Cheese

FestivalCOTA Jazz and Arts FestivalDelaware River Food and Wine

FestivalHarvest & Heritage DaysBlack Bear Film FestivalFall Foliage FestivalsIronman 70.3 Pocono MountainsGreat Brews of America Classic

Beer FestivalHonesdale for the Holidays

Winter

Olde Time ChristmasChristmas at Grey TowersHawley WinterfestHoliday Shopping EventsJim Thorpe WinterFestTobyhanna Ice Harvest FestivalWinter Lights FestivalAnnual Ice Tee Golf TournamentCrystal Cabin Fever

For a complete listing of events, visit us online at800poconos.com.

Tour and Travel Services

Calendar of Eventss

New York City75 miles

Harrisburg130 miles

as

Baltimore160 milesWashington DC

200 miles

Boston300 mile

Toronto410 miles

85 milePhiladelphi

5 hours

7 hours

4 hours

2 hoursGettysburg165 miles3 hours

90 mins

90 mins

3 1/2 hours

Close to major cities, but far from ordinary.The Pocono Mountains is a short drive from Philadelphia,New York, New Jersey, Southern New England, and Metro D.C.Six interstate highways, I-80, I-81, I-84, I-78, I-380 and I-476,make the Pocono Mountains region quick and easy to reach.

So cool!

Great deals!

Nice!

• Online RFP submissions• Web-based trip planning• Customized itineraries• Coordinated FAM tours• Digital media and collateral

• Site inspections• Escort notes• Visitor services• Staff support services• Student-friendly lodging

For information and reservations, contact Ann M. Pilcherat 800-722-9199, direct line 570-421-5791 ext. 3130,fax 570-421-8868, e-mail ann@poconos.org.

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LIFE’S GREATER IN THE POCONO

MOUNTAINS.

Your adventure awaits.

800Poconos.com/GroupTour

Life’s greater in the Pocono Mountains.

Sample ItinerariesTeam Building/Outdoor Adventure� Adventure Center at Whitewater

Challengers� Beltzville State Park� Bushkill Falls� CBK Mountain Adventures� Chamberlain Canoes� Delaware Water Gap National Recreation

Area� Jim Thorpe River Adventures� Landers River Trips� Pocono Whitewater Adventures� Pocono Whitewater Adventures – Biking� Skirmish Paintball� Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tours� Whitewater Rafting Adventures

Indoor/Outdoor Water Parks� Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark� Great Wolf Lodge� H20ooohh! Indoor Family Waterpark

Shopping� Country Junction World’s Largest

General Store� Country Kettle� The Crossings Premium

Outlets� Downtown Shopping

Environmental Education� Carbon County Environmental Education

Center� Lacawac Sanctuary� Monroe County Environmental Education

Center at Kettle Creek Wildlife Sanctuary� Pennsylvania State Parks� Pocono Environmental Education Center� PPL Wallenpaupack Environmental

Learning Center� Tannersville Cranberry Bog

History and Heritage� Dorflinger Glass Museum� Grey Towers National Historic Landmark� Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway� No. 9 Mine & Museum� Old Jail Museum� Pike County Historical Society & Columns

Museum – Home of the Lincoln Flag� Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm� Roebling Aqueduct Bridge� Steamtown National Historic Site� Stourbridge Railway� Water Gap Trolley� Zane Grey Museum

Performance Venues� Mauch Chunk Opera House� Mountain Laurel Pocono Performing Arts

Center� Penn’s Peak� Shawnee Playhouse� Sherman Theater

Culinary and Food Tasting Tours� Callie’s Candy Kitchen� Callie’s Pretzel Factory� Chef Alice Cooking� Pocono Cheesecake Factory

Winter Snowsports� Alpine Mountain� Blue Mountain Ski Area� Camelback Mountain Resort� Fernwood Winter Fun Center� Jack Frost Big Boulder� Shawnee Mountain� Ski Big Bear� Snowshoeing

For a group destination filled with unforgettable student fun,come to the Pocono Mountains any time of the year. With2,400 square miles of breathtaking natural beauty, excitingadventures and unique attractions, there’s something for

everyone. Our four distinct seasons offer activities year-round, so any time is the perfect time to visit. Day packagesand overnight itineraries with a variety of lodging optionsare available. Contact us and plan your group tour today.

Awesome!

Sweet Ride!

ADVOCACY

Beyond the responsibility for marketing and sales, the PMVB Executive Committee has designated the task of Advocacy as the next most critical activity of the Bureau, designed to support the Bureau’s takeholders as well as customers. PMVB works closely with PACVB and PTLA on advocacy efforts and legislation that impacts the tourism industry. A targeted list of specific issues at the local, state and federal level were developed by the staff and approved by the Executive Committee.

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COUNTY COMMISSIONERSThe PMVB represents the four-county Pocono Mountains region of Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne. The PMVB would like to thank our County Commissioners for their special assistance, full cooperation and for their overall support of the Pocono Mountains tourism industry.

Carbon CountyWayne E. Nothstein, ChairmanTom GerhardWilliam O’ Gurek

Monroe CountyJohn Mayer, ChairmanCharles GarrisSuzanne McCool

Pike CountyRichard A. Caridi, ChairmanMatthew M. OsterbergKarl A. Wagner, Jr.

Wayne CountyBrian W. Smith, ChairmanJonathan A. FritzWendell R. Kay

Post Labor Day School OpeningPMVB supports legislation requiring PA public schools to begin classes after Labor Day. A large percentage of seasonal employees at tourism businesses are high school students. In today’s tight labor market, these businesses are finding it more difficult to recruit young employees because of the number of high school students who return to school prior to Labor Day. The State and tourism businesses spend millions of marketing dollars to attract tourists every summer, yet those businesses are forced to cut off the season early due to a shortage of employees in mid-August. Additionally, pre-Labor Day opening of schools restricts the opportunity for family outings and getaways which reduce the economic impact from tourism to the state.

Lake Wallenpaupack School District has maintained the historic tradition of starting school after Labor Day. Research conducted in 2006, by TRippUmbach, indicated nearly $400 million in economic impact goes unrealized annually in the Commonwealth as a result of early school opening. Additionally, an energy savings of $100+ million would be derived as the costs for heating/cooling school buildings in early June rather than late August.

Tactics• February 2012, PMVB added a “Post Labor Day School Opening” landing page to 800poconos.com encompassing both “talking points” and FAQ brief as well as school board meeting dates and contact information for school superintendents and school board members.• Generated sample support letters actively seeking endorsement of our efforts with numerous business organizations.• February through April, more than 30 presentations made to the 17 different school boards and other various community organizations

Results • Two school districts changed their start date to post Labor Day; Pocono Mountain and Stroudsburg school districts• Monroe Career and Technical Institute (MCTI) also adopted a post Labor Day school start.

Organizations That Provided Letters of Support

DavisChantRealtorsJimThorpeChamberofCommerce

GreaterPoconoMountainsChamberofCommercePoconoMountainsBoardofRealtors

PoconoMountainsEconomicDevelopmentCouncilWayneCountyEconomicDevelopmentCouncil

WestEndFairBoard

Individuals Who Attended and Spoke at School Board Meetings

JackSturm,BlueMountainArthurBerryIII,CamelbackMountainResort

DavisChant,ChantRealtyJimErtle,FernwoodHotel

WestonLaBar,PoconoBoardofRealtorsPaulFogal,PoconoWhitewater

ChuckDickinson,SplitRockResortRobHowell,ShawneeInnandGolfResortAndyForte,StroudsmoorCountryInnAnthonyMunzio,WoodlochResort

HOSPITALITY SERVICES

The PMVB operates four Visitors Centers at key locations throughout the Pocono Mountains servicing over 120,000 visitors to the region. In 2011-12, the PMVB saw a more

than 25% increase in the amount of visitors assisted through phone calls, emails and walk-ins.

MEMBERSHIP

While the number of members remains relatively unchanged in fiscal year 2011-12, the PMVB continues to

enhance the 800poconos.com website to increase the exposure all of our members receive. New for the year

was the addition of social media icons in member listings

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF

In 2011-12, the PMVB reconfirmed its commitment to the staff to provide continual education opportunities. As

such, the PMVB continued its training of Steven Covey’s, TheSpeedofTrust.

In addition, many staff members have participated in professional and industry specific educational

opportunities such as webinars, conferences, classes, etc., which have been fully funded by the PMVB.

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LOCAL ISSUES

Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax PMVB opposes the imposition of lodging taxes and/or transactional fees by municipalities on the hospitality industry.

STATE ISSUES

Call For Review of Rules and Regulations That Obstruct Hospitality IndustryPMVB urges our legislators to review current rules and regulations established by the legislature that serve as an unfair burden on the operation and growth of the hospitality industry. We further encourage the legislature to repeal such restrictive regulations which will then allow for the hospitality industry to increase its employment and help grow the Commonwealth’s economy.

Establishment of a Pennsylvania Tourism CommissionPMVB supports the establishment of a Pennsylvania Tourism Commission through a public-private partnership. We are prepared to work with the Administration and Legislative leaders to offer solutions and find ways to create a new and more efficient model for tourism. Now is the time to create a sustainable public-private partnership outside of state government.

Transportation & InfrastructurePMVB supports legislation that would provide funding for highway and bridge construction and maintenance in the Commonwealth. Pennsylvania is the 4th most visited state in the country, with an estimated 138 million visitors annually. The state’s transportation infrastructure must be modern, safe and efficient for citizens, tourism businesses and out-of-state visitors.

Culinary/Tourism Jobs on High Priority Occupation ListPMVB and partners in the Pocono Workforce Investment Board are petitioning the PA State Department of Labor to include culinary positions and other hospitality jobs that meet the family sustaining wage criteria to be listed on the High Priority List for Pennsylvania.

FEDERAL ISSUES

Employee Free Choice Act (Card Check)PMVB stands in opposition to the currently proposed EFCA (Card Check) Legislation. American Hotel & Lodging Association is fighting to protect employee’s rights including the right to join unions through a fair and secret private ballot election process.

Meeting/Convention Business RestrictionsPMVB supports the government being responsible when they spend taxpayer money on travel. Meetings create jobs and spur economic growth in all parts of the country, including Pennsylvania. Recent research by Oxford Economics shows that for every dollar a community invests in business travel, it gets back $12.50 revenue. Business travel contributes to increased productivity. A negative portrayal of business travel could place irreparable damage on our industry.

OTAPMVB opposes the “Internet Travel Tax Fairness Act” which would prohibit the imposition of room taxes on transactions performed through Online Travel Companies. PMVB joins with PTLA and DMAI to protect state and county taxing authorities’ collection of room tax revenues from online travel companies.

Congressional Tourism CaucusPMVB encourages Congressmen Barletta and Marino to participate in this caucus. Letters have been sent and are in the process of follow up.

2011-12 CONTRACTED AGENCIES

Backbone Security, Inc.Buffalo Communications, a division of Billy Casper GolfJulian James Advertising DesignMastermindsMayoSeitz MediaMovitasPenTele DataRight Reason TechnologiesSimpleview, Inc.TravelocityForrest & Sons

2011-12 PROFESSIONAL & TRADE AFFILIATIONS

Alliance of National Heritage AreasAmerican Bus AssociationAmerican Hotel & Lodging AssociationAmerican Society of Association ExecutivesCenter for Rural PADestination Marketing Association InternationalEastern Ski Writers AssociationGreater New Jersey Motorcoach AssociationHotel Sales & Marketing Association InternationalMaryland Motorcoach AssociationMeeting Professionals InternationalMid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations AllianceNational Association of Sports CommissionNational Tour Association, Inc.National Trust for Historic PreservationThe Nature ConservancyNew York Society of Association ExecutivesNorth American Snowsport Journalist AssociationOntario Motor Coach AssociationPennsylvania Association of Convention & Visitors BureausPennsylvania Bus AssociationPennsylvania Chamber of Commerce ExecutivesPennsylvania Downtown CenterPennsylvania Environmental CouncilPennsylvania Outdoor Writers AssociationPennsylvania Public Relations CouncilPennsylvania Route 6 Tourist Association and Heritage CorporationPennsylvania Rural Development CouncilPennsylvania Society of Association ExecutivesPennsylvania Tourism and Lodging AssociationProfessional Convention Management AssociationPublic Relations Society of AmericaReceptive Services Assocation, Inc.Religious Conference Management Association

Society for Human Resource ManagementStudent & Youth Travel AssociationU.S. Travel AssociationVirginia Motorcoach Association

2011-12 PARTNERS

Antique Dealers AssociationBarrett/Paradise Business AssociationBetter Business Bureau of Northeastern PennsylvaniaBrodhead Watershed AssociationCarbon County Chamber of CommerceDelaware & Hudson Transportation Heritage CouncilDelaware & Lehigh National Heritage CorridorDelaware Water Gap Chamber of CommerceDelaware Water Gap National Recreation AreaDiscover PikePADowntown Hawley PartnershipEast Stroudsburg UniversityEastburg Community AllianceEquinunk Historical SocietyGreater Honesdale PartnershipGreater Pocono Chamber of CommerceGreater White Haven Chamber of CommerceGreater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of CommerceGreene-Dreher Historical SocietyJacob Stroud CorporationJim Thorpe Council of the Carbon County Chamber of CommerceLehighton Area Council of the Carbon County Chamber of CommerceMauch Chunk Historical SocietyMonroe County Historical SocietyNorthampton Community CollegeNortheastern Pennsylvania AlliancePalmerton Area Council of the Carbon County Chamber of CommercePenn Kidder Area Council of the Carbon County Chamber of CommercePike County Chamber of CommercePike County Historical SocietyPocono Arts CouncilPocono Builders AssociationPocono Lake Region Chamber of CommercePocono Mountains Association of RealtorsSouthern Wayne Regional Chamber of CommerceUpstatePAWallenpaupack Historical Society, Inc.Wayne County Arts AllianceWayne County Builders Association, Inc.Wayne County Chamber of CommerceWeatherly Area Council of the Carbon County Chamber of Commerce

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Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau 1004 West Main Street Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570.421.5791 800poconos.com pocomts@poconos.org

*Arthur Berry III, Camelback Mountain ResortBill Colavito, Great Wolf Lodge

Lisa DeNaples, Mount Airy Casino ResortChuck Dickinson, Split Rock Resort & Golf Club

Bob Dunlap, The Crescent Lodge*Eric Ehrhardt, Ehrhardt’s Waterfront Resort

*Tony Farda, Hideaway Hills Golf Club*Andrew Forte, Stroudsmoor Country InnBridget Gelderman, East Shore Lodging

*Jeanne Genzlinger, The Settlers InnBarabara Green, Blue Mountain Ski Area

*Larry Greene, LEG ConsultantsPete Helms, Davis R Chant Real Estate, Inc.Martin Horowitz, The Brookview Manor Inn

Nick Igdalsky, Pocono Raceway*John Kiesendahl, Woodloch Resort

*Peter Kirkwood, Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort*Edward Mayotte, Skytop Lodge

*Genevieve Reese, The French Manor Inn and Spa*Barth Rubin, Budget Inn and Suites

Paul Schuchman, Odd Lot Outlet, Inc.*Donna Smith, Bushkill Falls

*Doug Smith, The Crossings Premium OutletsDon Snyder, Better Homes and Gardens, Wilkins & Assoc. Real Estate

*Jim Tust, Shawnee MountainJohn Warnagiris, Chateau Resort and Conference Center

*Andy Worthington, Bushkill Group, Inc.

2011-12 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

*denotesExecutiveCommitteeMember