Published: May 16, 2008 01:33 am            

CVB relocating to White Hall

FAIRMONT — The Convention & Visitors Bureau of Marion County is relocating to White Hall.

The organization’s new headquarters — at 2 Mountain Park Drive — is one mile off exit 132 (South Fairmont) of I-79 in the Mountain Gate office building. The building also houses the Region VI Planning and Development Council, Kelly Services, NEW-BOLD Enterprises and other businesses.

“We just feel it’s going to be so much easier for the visitors ... and we have free parking and a lot more space,” said Marianne Moran, executive director of the CVB. “We’re more easily accessible to the visitor and tourist.”

For 12 years, the CVB was stationed in the Marion County Chamber Commerce office building at 110 Adams St. in downtown Fairmont. The CVB operated out of less than 400 square feet, and it needed more room for its materials, offices and storage.

Moran said she can feel the difference at the new location, which has 1,300 square feet. The CVB designed the layout of the office space and selected everything from the paint to the carpet.

“We’re so excited because everything is new,” she said.

Moran and administrative assistant Sharon Phillips operate the CVB. Moran, who has been with the organization for 15 years, said many people get the CVB confused with the chamber.

“Our roles are completely different. Our mission statements are completely different,” she said. “I think this (move) will also help give us our own identity.”

The CVB will finish moving in today and will officially open for business at the new location Monday. The organization is in the process of planning a ribbon-cutting event for July 3.

The CVB’s application for directional signs on the interstate has been approved by the state Division of Highways and should be up in a month, Moran said. The CVB will be on the attractions signs for exit 132 northbound and southbound. Also, the organization will have signs that direct persons to the office once they get off the exit.

“We’re just thrilled to be here,” Moran said.

E-mail Jessica Legge at jlegge@timeswv.com.

        

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