By Akos Kovach | Vice Chair GCTC

This subject comes up often, and several groups and others have tried to combine the Tourism Council with the local Chamber. But here is why we have separate organizations:

The general objectives of every chamber of commerce are as follows:

  • Increase local job opportunities
  • Help local business grow and thrive
  • Encourage expansion of the community in an efficient and organized manner
  • Contribute to the economic stability of the community
  • Promote a free market economy through assisting of private businesses and organizations

A Tourism Council has a target specific focus –

Tourism is travel for pleasure or business; also the theory and practice of touring, the business of attracting, accommodating, and entertaining tourists, and the business of operating tours or supporting local tour groups but primarily shining a positive light on our region as a place to visit, live and enjoy recreation indoors or outside.

A tourism council is generally a point of information for consumers, travelers, outdoor recreational activities, concerts, events, rock hounding, hiking, climbing, sightseeing, etc. The Greenlee Tourism council also helps and acts as an incubator for groups that need start-up support or ongoing support in marketing, obtaining a 501 C3 status and general questions about our amazing county.

So, now you have the facts. As you can see our Tourism Council is separate and different from the important work of our local Chamber. We often help each other, but our objectives differ enough to warrant two separate entities.

The bottom line is our two groups are compatible, often support each other, but need to remain independent so our mission and vision goals can more professionally be reached.

Thank you for subscribing to the Discover Greenlee Newsletter and please visit our robust website www.visitgreenleecounty.com

Thank you and I personally hope each of you has a safe and Merry Christmas, Hannukah or your special holiday celebration.

With warm regards,   Akos Kovach, Vice Chair, Greenlee Tourism Council