The Kentucky Travel Industry Association (KTIA) has created the inaugural Leadership Legacy Scholarship dedicated to the memory of long-time Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director Mary Hammond.
Mayor George Bray said, “I want to thank the Kentucky Travel Industry Association for creating a leadership scholarship in Mary’s honor. Mary Hammond had a passion for Paducah and an in-depth understanding of the travel and tourism industry and its impact on economic development. By learning current trends, data collection methodology, and implementation, the recipient of this scholarship will be better prepared to promote Kentucky tourism.”
This scholarship will provide a Southeast Tourism Society (STS) Marketing College® scholarship for a Kentucky tourism professional. The scholarship will provide the tuition and housing (dormitory) cost for the recipient’s first year of Marketing College® which will be held June 2 through 7 in Macon, Georgia, at Mercer University.
Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau Board Chairman Glenn Denton said, “The Kentucky Tourism Industry Association has been a loyal partner to the Paducah CVB for many years. Their work to institute the Leadership Legacy Scholarship is a testament to that relationship and to Mary's influence on the industry as a whole. Educating new travel professionals is a fitting honor and a way to ensure Mary's legacy lives on in Kentucky tourism."
According to the scholarship, “Mary’s leadership was marked by tending to the tasks of today while always laying the ground work for the future. So too will KTIA’s Leadership Legacy Scholarship program, in that we hope to grow it into multiple scholarships in future years in continued tribute to Mary as well as a memorial to other industry leaders.”
Upon completion of the three-year Marketing College® curriculum, students receive a Travel Marketing Professional (TMP) certification, presented at a special graduation ceremony at STS Connections.
The scholarship application is due April 21. For the eligibility requirements and application, please visit KTIA Leadership Legacy Scholarship.
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