John Groh

Experience

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  Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

  Jun 1999 - Aug 2007

  Executive Vice President

  Directed leisure and group marketing efforts; oversaw external marketing/advertising programs, public relations activities, e-marketing/web-based programs.Responsible for product development, political affairs, stakeholder communication, community relations and local media relations.Ensured board/organizational policy and budget ($2.9 million annually) compliance, positive employee morale, staff productivity and sales results achievement.Also, during this time I served as Director of Public Affairs, International Sales Manager, and Communications Manager. Show less

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  Rockford Chamber of Commerce

  Aug 2007 - Jul 2009

  Executive Vice President

  Directed marketing program for 2nd largest Chamber in Illinois (1,600+ members)Oversaw publication/production/editorial direction of monthly B2B newspaper, in addition to additional print and electronic publications (producing annual revenues in excess of $300,000)Oversaw member retention/service programs (improving annual retention from 76% to 84%)Lead annual strategic planning process for staff, advise CEO Developed and implemented annual government relations programs – including first-ever candidate training school, political candidate forums/debates, etc. Show less

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  Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and RACVB Charitable Foundation

  Jun 2009 - now

  President/CEO

  As president and CEO of the region's destination marketing and management organization, I am responsible for overseeing the growth of the region's economy by leading tourism marketing and development efforts for Illinois’ second largest metropolitan region. Visitors annually spend more than $350 million in Winnebago County. Since 2010, RACVB's future room night booked productivity is up 32% and future events booked has increased 51% during the same period. Since 2009, according to Tourism Economics and Smith Travel Research, annual hotel rooms booked in Rockford grew at a CAGR of 4.3%, hotel revenue grew at a CAGR of 7%, RevPAR has grown at a CAGR of 7%. With these results, Rockford had stronger growth than most other regional comparable markets. In my role, I lead, direct and work alongside a team of 15 professionals who develop, market and promote the Rockford Region as a tourism destination. We deploy a budget of $2.5 million on an annual basis. A key portion of my role includes being a liaison to and partner with government, civic, business and community leaders to plan, prioritize and advance the region’s arts, culture, entertainment and sports sectors. Ensure achievement of priorities set by the organization’s board of directors for organizational and destination performance is the primary focus of my role as president/CEO. Show less