New staffer dedicated to Northfield tourism at Convention and Visitors Bureau

Tami Ford recently took her post at the Northfield Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, a division of the Chamber of Commerce.
 
It’s now her job to promote tourism in Northfield, the first on chamber staff focused exclusively on the task, which includes a new marketing campaign, launching this week.
 
“It’s definitely a dream job for me,” the marketing and tourism coordinator said. “It’s the type of marketing that I’ve always wanted to do.”

The Lakeville resident most recently worked at a Minneapolis consulting firm with up to 15 non-profit organizations at a time, helping with marketing work, including fundraisers, grant proposals and image campaigns, she said. Before that, she steered marketing and development at a substance abuse and mental health agency in Missouri.

Her role will include tracking data on visitors and repeat visitors and drawing unique guests to Northfield, she said. The new marketing and advertising campaign, which will include some image-boosting efforts in other cities, is also aimed at attracting newcomers to town.

“Part of the job, as well, is to try to get group tours here,” said Ford, who has a 3-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son with her husband, Tony. “Hopefully I can spur that effort.”

Ford said that she’s looking forward to promoting Northfield, “a great place with a rich history,” and showing others it’s worth the trip.

“We are very excited to have tourism staff who can help us implement our strategic plan, work closely with our partners and encourage people to visit our community,” said Mary Schmelzer, the chamber’s executive director, who worked with the CVB board of directors to create the position, in a press release.

Reach reporter Kaitlyn Walsh at 645-1117, and follow her on Twitter.com @NFNKaitlyn.

Reported by:  Southernminn.com