Member Spotlight

Julie Warren, Bloomington/Monroe County Convention Visitors Bureau

There are some places you simply feel the warmth and family-like atmosphere the minute you walk in. That’s exactly how it is upon entering the Bloomington/Monroe County CVB and being greeted by a few four-legged friends as well as an upbeat staff.

Flipping the script a bit, this spotlight focuses on supplier member Julie Warren who is a long time ISAE member and supporter. Julie represents the Bloomington/Monroe County CVB. With a personality as dazzling as sunshine after a long gray winter, it is no surprise why she is in the spotlight in June or why she is the first supplier member in the spotlight.

The Bloomington/Monroe County CVB is nestled into the tree line of a community that it actively supports. The organization exists to develop and implement marketing programs, industry partnerships, and visitor services featuring natural, cultural, sports and recreational, historical, business and institutional attractions to meeting groups and various vacation travelers. This is accomplished by a full time staff of nine, part time staff of five, an occasional intern, and an annual budget of 1.2 million.

Julie has been a proud member of the CVB team for five years, starting as an intern while studying tourism management at Indiana University. She recently moved from the position of Director of Sales into her current role as the Director of Tourism. Greeting this promotion with nervous excitement, Julie will continue to grow and learn at the CVB as she focuses on the positioning of the CVB through marketing, advertising, and promotion, as well as all partner relations.

In addition to the work they do for local tourism, the staff of the Bloomington/Monroe County CVB do their part for the greater good. They have partnered with the local humane society to foster cats that are eligible for adoption. Since the beginning of the partnership six years ago, they have successfully placed 26 cats. Not only do the cats welcome guests arriving at the CVB, they also provide a little stress relief for the staff. Cosette and Nightside (pictured below) currently are at the CVB and are eligible for adoption.

In the true spirit of Hoosier hospitality, our interview continued over a delicious lunch at local eatery Finch’s. Growing up and attending college in Bloomington, Julie has a true appreciation for all the city has to offer for meeting attendees and vacation travelers. Bloomington has a little bit of everything as a vibrant city built around IU, as well as a small town with warm hospitality. Bloomington was even voted one of the top cities in the country in which to retire.

When asked to tell us something that most people do not know about Bloomington, Julie quickly answered that year after year groups bringing their first event to Bloomington are impressed with the attendance numbers the city and surrounding area brings in. Having such a great city to “sell” may seem easy, but they still face challenges such as the lack of a truly substantial meeting facility and the need for more hotel properties. To address concerns of meeting planners and travelers, the CVB will focus on developing conventions, kid friendly activities, and more hotel properties in the coming months and years. Other initiatives include a website redesign, and continuing to increase the number of custom services they provide to people who travel to Bloomington.

The interview ended with a few questions for Julie about challenges and success:

Q: What is the biggest challenge the CVB is currently facing?
A: Trying to connect all of the various needs of the wide variety of stakeholders.

Q: What is an interesting fact about Bloomington?
A: The Dalai Lama’s son owns a restaurant in Bloomington

Q: What is the most important thing you have learned working in the tourism industry?
A: How many great opportunities are available in the industry to learn, grow and experience new things.

Q: What is your current professional goal?
A: Obtaining more education related to field and someday owning a bed and breakfast.

Q: Do you have a hidden talent?
A: Enjoy a good night of karaoke…I am a pretty good singer!

Q: What is the best book you have read lately? Why?
A: She Got Off the Couch, which is authored by Indiana native Haven Kimmel