The Greenville-Pitt County Convention & Visitors Bureau (Visit Greenville, NC & Play Greenville, NC Sports) is pleased to announce Rachel Whitten, Vice President of Sales & Services and Joshua Meeks, Sales & Services Assistant have both recently earned new industry designations and certifications.
Rachel Whitten Earns Sports Tourism Strategist (STS) Designation
Rachel Whitten, Vice President of Sales & Services has recently completed her Sports Tourism Strategist designation (STS) from Sports Events & Tourism Association (Sports ETA). This program includes 32 hours of specialized certificate coursework focused on timely, in-depth areas of the sports events and tourism industry. More info here: learn.sportseta.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Sports-Tourism-Strategist-Designation-Info-Page-.docx.pdf
“The biggest takeaway from the Sports Tourism Strategist program was a reminder that sports tourism is uniquely positioned at the intersection of economic and community development. Here in Pitt County, we see firsthand how sports events generate visitor spending, support local businesses, and drive economic impact while also creating opportunities that enhance quality of life for residents. The success we've experienced is the direct result of strong partnerships with City of Greenville Recreation and Parks, Pitt County Cultural Arts and Recreation, East Carolina University Athletics, Pitt Community College Athletics, our hospitality partners, and many others who work together to create exceptional experiences for athletes, families, and visitors,” stated Rachel Whitten, Vice President of Sales & Services. “The STS program expanded my understanding of topics ranging from facility development and sustainability to business strategy and impact measurement, but it also reinforced that collaboration remains the foundation of a thriving sports tourism destination.”
Joshua Meeks Earns Sustainable Event Professional Certificate (SEPC)
Joshua Meeks, Sales & Services Assistant has recently obtained his Sustainable Event Professional Certificate (SEPC) from the Events Industry Council (EIC). He completed over 16 guided modules, ranging from carbon management to sustainability frameworks, and community engagement, where participants learn to design compelling, responsible events. The program includes a digital workbook and personalized roadmap to aid in their work within their organization. More info here: eventscouncil.org/Sustainability/SEPC
“As Pitt County’s economy continues to grow, it is vital that we do so with long-term impacts and sustainability in mind. We must continually ask whether investments in our community will create a positive impact not only for tomorrow, but for generations to come,” stated Joshua Meeks, Sales & Services Assistant with Visit Greenville, NC. “This certification further builds on my education and experience by helping answer important questions about how the actions we take today will shape the future. It reinforces the importance of growing our economy in a way that strengthens our community, prioritizes long-term success, and avoids sacrificing future growth for short-term gains.”
The Greenville-Pitt County Convention & Visitors Bureau is firmly committed to professional development and industry education to benefit our staff and organization, as we continue to market Greenville-Pitt County as a leisure, meetings, and sports tourism destination.
