Pocono vacation bureau to reorganize, layoff COO

In light of changing trends in the hospitality industry, as well as challenging economic times, the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau’s (PMVB) Executive Committee approved a re-organization plan that will be implemented on February 1, 2010 and reflected in the organization’s revised fiscal year 2009-2010 budget.rn r

In light of changing trends in the hospitality industry, as well as challenging economic times, the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau’s (PMVB) Executive Committee approved a re-organization plan that will be implemented on February 1, 2010 and reflected in the organization’s revised fiscal year 2009-2010 budget.rn rn“This is obviously a difficult time for the tourism industry,” said Carl Wilgus, President/CEO of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. “We are confident that these changes will put us in a stronger and more financially sound position and that we will be better equipped to handle the challenges ahead.”rn rnPMVB’s reorganization plan includes maintaining current staffing levels, by choosing to leave vacant three open positions, and streamlining its internal reporting process. As a result, PMVB’s Executive Committee has decided to eliminate its Chief Operating Officer/Vice President position, which Mathilda Sheptak currently holds. Ms. Sheptak has been employed by the Bureau for 45 years since being hired in 1965 as an Administrative Assistant. During Ms. Sheptak’s tenure with the Bureau, she has served on numerous boards, councils and task forces not only throughout the four-county Pocono Mountains region, but also around the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Ms. Sheptak will conclude her career with the Bureau on January 31, 2010.rn rn“We thank Mathilda for her dedicated service to the PMVB and the entire Pocono Mountains region,” said Andy Worthington Chairman of the PMVB Executive Committee. “We wish Mathilda nothing but the very best. She has served as an outstanding ambassador for our destination and the entire industry.”rn