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PRSA Memphis Names Kevin Kane 2007 Communicator of the Year MEMPHIS, TENN. (January 9, 2008) Kevin Kane, president and CEO of the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), was named the Public Relations Society of America Memphis Chapter’s Communicator of the Year for 2007. Often described as the face and voice of Memphis tourism, he was officially recognized today during the chapter’s monthly luncheon at the University of Memphis Holiday Inn. Each year the Memphis Chapter of PRSA chooses a member of the Memphis community who exhibits the ability to communicate effectively to general and or specific publics; has public visibility as a communicator; is a respected member of the community; and invests his/her time and talent in the community as a communicator. The honoree is not required to be a member of PRSA and is recognized for the work he or she has accomplished in the previous year. In 2007, Memphis destination marketing got a major boost with the “50 Years of Soul” – a campaign, under Kane’s direction, that put an international spotlight on Memphis. The campaign, which celebrated the 50th anniversary of Stax and Royal Studios, utilized online marketing, consumer advertising, familiarization tours for travel and music journalists, and partnerships with music personalities and with Memphis music attractions. Kane, the PRSA Memphis chapter’s 33rd honoree, directs a 501c-6 non profit organization (CVB) that is the official destination marketing organization of Memphis and Shelby County. He leads a staff of 30 and a membership of more than 500 hospitality-related businesses. The CVB also has representatives in London, Germany, Washington, DC, and Chicago. The agency functions as a catalyst for the growth of the local hospitality industry and advocates widespread support among Memphis and Shelby County citizens, businesses, lawmakers and elected officials. The CVB’s dual mission is: 1) on a local level, to create an understanding of the value of hospitality and tourism and 2) on a national and international level, to communicate a Memphis destination brand, one which promises a unique music heritage and great entertainment. Using his background in international sales and marketing, Kane has succeeded in combining key relationships and special appearances by Memphis icons with a steady sales effort and strategic media placements, buys and promotions to successfully push Memphis to the forefront of travel destinations. Through his own relentless enthusiasm, he has become the most sought-after spokesperson for Memphis entertainment and amenities. After joining the CVB in 1991, Kane strengthened its position as the lead tourism agency. He secured a permanent address, at 47 Union Avenue, for CVB offices. He then opened new centers to offer personal assistance to visitors and to showcase Memphis and Shelby County, including: The Tennessee Welcome Center/Memphis Visitors Center on Riverside Drive in the mid 1990s, the Memphis and Shelby County Visitors Center on Airline Road in 2003, and the Memphis Visitors Center at Elvis Presley Boulevard and Brooks Road in 2005. In the mid-nineties, Mr. Kane transitioned the CVB marketing theme to “Memphis – Home of the Blues, birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” which was the beginning of Memphis’ music brand and inspiration for several successful advertising campaign and promotions. Additional accomplishments and milestones include: · Opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago, London and Germany · Developed and directed the “50 Years of Rock ‘N’ Roll” yearlong celebration that put Memphis in an international spotlight in 2004 · Spearheaded the Memphis response to the Hurricane Katrina evacuees · Established the Memphis Sports Development Council · As a volunteer, directed the rebuilding of the Blues Foundation and kept this prestigious international organization in Memphis · As a volunteer, founded the Bridges Kick Off Classic high school football competition Kane also established and directs two non-profit subsidiaries, the Memphis Sports Development Foundation and the Memphis Tourism Education Foundation. Before joining the CVB, he was director of worldwide sales for Holiday Inns, Inc., then based in Memphis. Before joining the CVB, he was director of worldwide sales for Holiday Inns, Inc., then based in Memphis. A University of Memphis and 1994 Leadership Memphis graduate, Kane is a member of numerous boards and organizations. Looking back over the past three decades, the very first Communicator of the Year recipient in 1976 was civic leader Bud Dudley, who brought the Liberty Bowl to Memphis. Through the years, outstanding community leaders have been named. Among those recipients are: - then-Memphis State University basketball coach Dana Kirk (1982); - City-County Director of Libraries Judith Drescher and Superintendent of Memphis City Schools Dr. Gerry House (two honorees in 1992); - The Church Health Center’s founder and Executive Director Dr. G. Scott Morris (1994); - MLGW’s President and CEO Herman Morris (1999); - Philanthropist Gayle Rose (2001); - City of Memphis Mayor Willie W. Herenton (1986 and 2002); - Soulsville President Deanie Parker (2003); - Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority Chair Arnold Perl (2004); and - Memphis City Schools Superintendent Dr. Carol Johnson (2005) and - last year’s recipient, My Harrison, FBI’s Memphis office. The Public Relations Society of America, based in New York City, is the world's largest organization for public relations professionals. The Society has more than 29,000 professional and student members. The Memphis Chapter, founded in 1952, has more than 175 members -- Mid-South communicators who represent large corporations, small private companies, consulting firms, nonprofit agencies and educational institutions.