BUCKHANNON — Local business owner and Strawberry Festival Board member Lacy Ramsey has been named interim executive director of the Upshur County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) following the March 31 resignation of former director Laura Meadows.

The CVB board has been conducting interviews to find the right fit for the position. Ramsey’s interim period will last 120 days when both the board and Ramsey will evaluate the position.

“We really feel like Lacy will be an excellent fit for the CVB, so we hope that after the initial period, both she and the board will decide to continue the position on a permanent basis,” CVB Board President Risë Hanifan said. “Laura Meadows has done a wonderful job over the last twelve years, and we believe that Lacy will continue that same level of service.”

“She has exceptional people skills and plenty of experience with marketing her and her husband’s local business Strategy IT,” Hanifan added. “We are very confident in her ability to represent Buckhannon and Upshur County well.”

The CVB promotes tourism in Buckhannon and Upshur County. It is funded by a portion of the hotel/motel taxes that are received by the City of Buckhannon and the Upshur County Commission.

“We really hope that Buckhannon hotel and motel occupancy can pick up so that we are able to be even more effective in bringing tourist opportunities to Buckhannon,” Hanifan stated.

The CVB is integral in supporting events that occur in our area, including the West Virginia Strawberry Festival, the Almost Heaven BBQ Bash, and the 2023 World Association of Marching Show Bands (WAMSB). Ramsey will be perfectly poised to represent Upshur County for these events and more.

“I am excited to come on board as the new Interim Executive Director for the Upshur County Convention & Visitor Bureau,” Ramsey said. “I look forward to collaborating with an outstanding board of directors and focusing on finding creative and purposeful avenues to help increase tourism in our area by promoting the beauty and charm found within the borders of Upshur County. Buckhannon truly is a great place for a ‘Small Town Getaway with Big Time Charm.’ I am thankful for the opportunity to serve the communities in Upshur County!”

Ramsey started her stint as interim CVB director Monday, April 3.