Bob Doak
Bob Doak is retiring after 35 years as president of the Chattanooga Visitors Bureau.
He managed the Chattanooga Choo Choo prior to heading the CVB.
He said he will remain in the post until early 2018. “The CVB Executive Committee asked Bob to continue in his role through February 2018 to assist in the leadership transition and he agreed to do so.” said Tom Cupo, the chairman of the CVB Executive Committee.
He added, “Bob has led the community’s tremendous advancements in tourism growth and economic investments in the tourism business in the greater Chattanooga area.
With his leadership, we have seen year-over-year increases in the return on the investment in tourism. Chattanooga and Hamilton County clearly are tourist destinations.”
Mr. Cupo also said the Executive Committee is following the by-laws of the CVB in putting together the transition process for a new CEO. “We will be announcing more details in the near future. Our by-laws clearly outline the process to be used,” he said.
Mr. Doak said, "After 35 years in the tourism & hospitality industry and after much consideration, I have made the decision to retire from the Chattanooga CVB.
"In early August, I shared with the Executive Committee my decision to retire at the end of the year. After getting over the surprise of my decision, the Executive Committee asked me to remain as President & CEO until February 28, 2018, so there will be a seamless transition in leadership. I agreed to do so.
"Chattanooga has become a thriving, vibrant city and I am humbled to be part of that process. It has been a pleasure bringing millions of visitors from around the world to Chattanooga. The economic impact of tourism has doubled to $1 billion during my 15-year tenure with the CVB.
"I want to thank you for your dedication to this great and vital industry. It has been an honor to serve as the President & CEO of the Chattanooga Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
"My plans are to spend more time with Darlene, church and traveling to rock concerts."
Mr. Doak said, "As a community, we have seen the investments in new hotels, restaurants and attractions. As residents, we enjoy the economic benefits from tourism. It can be a job in the industry or more variety in entertainment, all of which adds to our quality of life.”
County Mayor Jim Coppinger said the CVB has provided focus, direction and leadership to make tourism and hospitality a centerpiece of our community. “We are fortunate to have great natural resources and the vision of those involved in selling Chattanooga and Hamilton County. With the leadership of Bob Doak, the CVB has invested in telling and selling our message and generated over a $1 billion dollar return on the investment.”
Officials said over the past 15 years:
· Annual tourism spending exceeds $1,060,100,000
· Over 8,700 tourism jobs
· Annual visitors are approximately 3.5 million
· Annual state tax collections are $63,000,000
· Annual local sales tax collections are $24,000,000 with $12,000,000 going directly to Hamilton County public schools. Annually, half of these taxes go to the school system
· 140 supported events with $92,000,000 economic impact in 2017-2018
· 114,082 visitor center guests
· 2,500,000 website visits per year
Mr. Doak was recognized in 2016 as the Tennessee Tourism Professional of the Year at the Governor’s Conference on Hospitality & Tourism. This career achievement recognition is voted on by industry peers. Prior to his service as president of CEO of the CVB, Doak was on the Executive Committee for six years and two years as chairman.
Claude Ramsey, former Hamilton County mayor who was instrumental in using county hotel/motel tax collections for tourism growth, said, “The 2007 decision was made to strengthen our ability to make Chattanooga and Hamilton County a year-round destination for conventions, sporting events and for our home-grown tourist attractions. I know the numbers support the decision that was made by the Hamilton County Commission.”
Former Chattanooga Mayor Jon Kinsey, said, “The CVB under Bob’s leadership has placed Chattanooga on the map as a place to come, visit and enjoy the experience. I understand the need to fill hotel rooms and restaurants and today, we are seeing an ever-increasing number of new investments in both of these businesses.”