July 29, 2024
lindsay@westmorelandchamber.com
GO Laurel Highlands: August 2024 Chamber Champion of the Month
The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce that GO Laurel Highlands has been selected as the Chamber Champion of the Month. Established in 1958, GO Laurel Highlands serves as the official destination marketing organization for Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties in southwestern Pennsylvania.
A Legacy of Promoting Tourism
The inception of GO Laurel Highlands dates back to when the former West Penn Power (now Allegheny Power) collaborated with Mountain View Inn, Idlewild Park, Mountain Playhouse, Laurel Caverns, and The Historic Summit Inn, along with other tourism partners from the three counties. Recognizing the region's potential, these visionaries decided to form a tourism bureau to share the beauty of the Laurel Highlands with a broader audience. On July 26, 1958, a pivotal meeting at the Laurel Summit Hotel, attended by over 100 business owners and residents, led to the formation of this organization. After considerable debate, the name "Laurel Highlands" was officially adopted.
Leadership and Growth
Ann Nemanic, Executive Director of GO Laurel Highlands, has been a key figure in the bureau's success. Nemanic's career in marketing began over 30 years ago in radio as a copywriter and production director. After relocating to Pennsylvania in 1991, she became the Director of Sales and Marketing for the historic Mountain View Inn. Following 14 years with the property, she transitioned to destination marketing with the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau (LHVB), where she has served as Vice President of Partnership and Business Development since 2010. Under her leadership, the partnership base has grown from 350 to over 600.
Discover the Laurel Highlands
Spanning over 2,900 square miles of Pennsylvania's highest mountain tops, rolling countryside, and sparkling waterways, the Laurel Highlands is a gem located about an hour east of Pittsburgh. The region is home to some of Pennsylvania's most iconic sites, including Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, the Flight 93 National Memorial, the Great Allegheny Passage Rail-Trail, and Idlewild & SoakZone, voted the Best Kids' Park in the World. The Laurel Highlands is one of the Mid-Atlantic's most scenic and diverse destinations, offering a unique blend of stunning architecture, rich heritage, exceptional outdoor recreation, and noteworthy arts and culture.
Mission and Vision
The mission of the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau is to enhance economic growth and quality of life by promoting the region as a preferred destination. The vision is to be globally recognized as a destination offering unparalleled experiences that engage the mind and senses.
For more information on exploring the wonderful Laurel Highlands, including things to do, outdoor adventures, events, places to stay, and more, please visit www.golaurelhighlands.com.
Congratulations to GO Laurel Highlands for being named the Chamber Champion of the Month. Their dedication to promoting the natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance of the region has made a lasting impact on our community and beyond.