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Visitors Bureau to Hold Spring Open House |
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Wednesday, 07 May 2008 |
 Retiring Employee Honored
Nita Small was there in the early days of the Ottawa County Visitors Bureau. She was hired in May of 1988, almost 20 years ago, to staff the Lodging Locater Service. Now, after her official retirement date last Sunday, she will be recognized for her 20 years of service during a Spring Open House on Thursday from 5-7 p.m.
"It all started when a friend of mine called thinking I might be interested in the job," Nita said. "We were just starting up and were located in a small office on Monroe Street. There were three employees in addition to the Director. The job was to find rooms for people who wanted to vacation in the area," she said. "Back then we were just feeling our way around and weren't very busy. My job was to call people who listed their houses for rent with us, see if they had room and update our lists.
"We only had two computers." Now, the staff works with eight computers and the bureau has added its own dedicated server according to Larry Fletcher, Executive Director of the Ottawa County Visitors Bureau. The lodging Locater Service is still a part of the Bureau, but the job of the entire Bureau has increased to include not only finding housing for tourists, but also marketing to bring people into the area, so all of the jobs there have been expanded.
"Most of the people were younger than I was, and I was sort of the mother hen, I'm afraid." Nita has worked with seven Executive Directors during her 20 years. "I have really appreciated the opportunity to work with everyone."
Nita is planning to move to Tennessee where she was born and raised and will be closer to her family.
"She has provided dedicated service through all the years," Larry Fletcher, Executive Director of the Ottawa County Visitors Bureau said.
"The job was a hoot," she added.
To attend the event, call 419-734- 4386.
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