State Tourism Office Visits Armstrong County

Staff members from Pennsylvania Community and Economic Development’s office of Travel, Tourism and Film visited Armstrong County on Thursday, September 17th.

Diane McGraw, executive director and Sarah Spishock, special projects coordinator met with the Armstrong County Tourist Bureau at Lenape Heights Golf Resort in Manor Township for lunch.

During the lunch meeting, leaders discussed tourism in Armstrong County and the new plans for the state of Pennsylvania tourism office. One particular topic discussed was the tourism office’s partnership with Brand USA to market to international travelers.

Kevin Andrews, Director of Tourism for Armstrong County, said he thinks the new plans are exciting and hopes that the Armstrong County Tourist Bureau can find a way to utilize them in their efforts.

“At a time when the entire tourism industry is receiving budget cuts, both at state
and local levels, it is important to find new and cost effective ways to market the
county.” Andrews said.
After lunch Alexander Stiller, general manager of Lenape Heights, gave them a quick tour of the hotel. He also talked about some of Lenape Heights’ plans for
adding to the resort and golf course in the near future.

McGraw and Spishock were impressed with the beauty of Armstrong County and the view from the restaurant at Lenape Heights. They said they hope to return and experience the rest of the county as well.

Their visit was part of Pennsylvania Department of Economic Development’s new program, “Job’s 1st On The Road.” The program is to get the team out of
Harrisburg and experiencing the industries of different regions first hand. This
year they were in Southwestern PA from September 17th-19th.