Agenda - 10-20-2015-11c - Economic Development Advisory Board

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37 Page 2 of 3 Libbie Hough Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau Background, education and experience relevant to this board: I have operated a marketing communications company for the last 13 years here in Orange County and serve non-profits, university-based programs and units, as well as small businesses. I would bring with me my knowledge of marketing to a diverse set of audiences as well as understanding of the principles of marketing. My board service, current and past, has informed my desire to help promote our county as a destination. I lived in Chapel Hill for 11 years and have lived in rural Orange for 24 years. My current and past board and volunteer experience in mental health, education, and at the chamber level enable me to bring a broad perspective to any endeavor. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: I see tourism and visitors services as a tool for economic development. Yes, it is an industry that gives a community opportunities to improve itself from a visual and experiential perspective. But beyond that, it is industry and we need that-- as long as it is consistent with our values--to grow our tax base. This in turn enables us to continue to have jobs to our residents and to build our capacity to serve our most vulnerable populations. This is not an easy balance, but one that I m proud our county attends to. Conflict of Interest: We live in a small community and there is always a need to check ourselves and our motives when it comes to conflicts of interest. I have prior and current working relationships with Orange County Government and have done work for the Visitors Bureau. I would not entertain work for financial compensation with the latter while serving on its board. I am assuming the board has a conflict of interest policy and, if so, would abide by it. Supplemental Questions: Work Experience: Founder and owner of comma, Ilc, a marketing/pr firm located in rural Orange County 2001-present Development Associate, Ackland Art Museum, UNC-CH, 2000-2001 Director of PR, Shoofly: An Audiomagazine for Children, 1998-2000 Director of HELPLINE, OPC Mental Health Center, 1989-1992 Director of Volunteers, Women's Center of Raleigh, 1988-1989 Volunteer Experience: Open Your Heart Chair, American Heart Association of the Triangle, Current Fourth Sector Cluster Initiative, Current Chair, Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce's Education Committee, 2007-2012; Member, Mental Health America of the Triangle Board of Directors, 2006-2009, 2010-2012; Member, Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, 2007-2011; Member, Orange County Education Foundation Board of Directors, 2006-2008; Member, Orange County Schools Board of Education, 2002-2006; Volunteer Experience Prior to 2002: Church volunteer -- boards, choir, church school teacher Community volunteer -- Hillsborough Visitor's Center tour guide (Spirits of Hillsborough); Friends of the Library School volunteer -- PTSA board committee chair, 1997-2002; A L Stanback Library, 2003- 2004. Education: UNC-Chapel Hill, Masters of Social Work, 1987 UNC-Chapel Hill, BA, Religious Studies, 1984