Title
To recognize, honor and thank Paul Astleford for his service as President and CEO of Experience Columbus on the occasion of his retirement December 31, 2012.
Body
WHEREAS, Paul Astleford, President and CEO of Experience Columbus for the last 13 years, will conclude his 43 year career in the hospitality industry on December 31, 2012; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure, Paul rebranded the Convention and Visitors Bureau as "Experience Columbus," created the Greater Columbus Sports Commission and increased the profile of the visitor industry in Columbus expediently; and
WHEREAS, under Paul's leadership, Experience Columbus successfully built Columbus' brand image nationally and globally, earning over $5 million a year in national media exposure while growing sales production and sales accountability; and
WHEREAS, Paul's laser focus helped to retain and grow some of the nation's most high profile events like the Arnold Sports Festival, the All American Quarter Horse Congress and the OFA which help fuel $7.3 billion in annual visitor-related spending and support 61,000 jobs; and
WHEREAS, Paul introduced a professional marketing dimension to Experience Columbus, increased accessibility and visibility by opening street-front visitor centers, and was a champion for the development efforts resulting in the new full-service Hilton Columbus Downtown; and
WHEREAS, Paul, and his highly talented CVB and Sports Commission staff, have not only produced results, but have developed administrative efficiencies to become one of the most cost effective CVBs in the nation, increasing the return on public investment even during some of the most trying times for the hospitality industry; and
WHEREAS, Paul has been an integral part of the campaign to encourage Columbus leaders to coalesce around an aspirational, strategically-oriented collaborative mindset that has netted results, and which charts a path for Columbus' future growth and success; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this council does hereby recognize, honor and thank Paul Astleford for his service as President and CEO of Experience Columbus, and extends our sincere appreciation for his service to the community and contributions to improve the quality of life in Columbus.