Indiana Destination Development Corporation Established, Board Appointed

For Immediate Release

INDIANAPOLIS - (July 17, 2020) ? Effective July 1, the?Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) evolved into the newly created Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC). The?Indiana State Legislature?created the quasi-government agency after a recommendation from the 2017 Tourism Task Force.

"This move will create a seamless experience for our tourism and talent attraction partners," said Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch. "The IDDC's mission is to attract and retain business, talent, students and visitors to our great state."

Governor Eric Holcomb appointed Elaine Bedel as Secretary & CEO of IDDC on November 11th, 2019. Bedel previously served as President of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), the state's lead economic development agency.

?The goal is to tell Indiana?s authentic story,? said Bedel. ?IDDC will collaborate with partners around the State to showcase Indiana as a great place to learn, earn, visit and live."

IDDC operates as a joint public-private agency, governed by a seven-member board appointed by the governor.?Governor Holcomb today announced those appointments:

• Allison Barber (Indianapolis), President and COO of the Indiana Fever, who will serve through June 30, 2023.
• Matt Eckert (Schnellville), President and CEO of Holiday World & Splashin? Safari, who will serve through June 30, 2024.
• Stephen Ferguson (Bloomington), Chairman of the Board of Cook Group Incorporated, who will serve through June 30, 2023.
• Dana Huber (Borden), Vice President of marketing and public relations at Huber?s Orchard, Winery & Vineyards, who will serve through June 30, 2024.
• William Knox (Fishers), Director of Grand Park Sports Campus, who will serve through June 30, 2024.

The Governor appointed Crouch as the chair of the board, and?the IEDC President or designee will also have a board seat.

Misty Weisensteiner, director of IOTD, will transfer to the IDDC, along with staff members.

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