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Press Release
April 3, 2003

OVTA Annual Meeting will Highlight Marketing and Creativity

Members of the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association (OVTA) will combine creativity and fun with a full day of business and education at their annual general meeting on April 9.

The highlight of the day will be the keynote address by Mark Saunders, "director of fun" at Saunders Farm near Munster, Ontario.

Saunders will offer tips on "selling yourself" and "creating a buzz" in the tourism marketing world. He is a recognized expert in the field, the recipient of local and international marketing awards, including the prestigious Farm Marketer of the Year award from the North American Farmers Direct Marketing Association. Saunders Farm was the first Canadian recipient of the honour.

The farm has been transformed from a 100-acre strawberry operation to a premiere tourist destination in the National Capital region. Last year, more than 50,000 visitors were at the farm for "Haunting Season", the annual Hallowe'en event that has put Saunders Farm on the map. Mazes, corporate and family picnic promotions, Christmas events and regular new developments keep the visitors coming.

Saunders' presentation will provide both inspiration and practical advice to local tourism operators gearing up for the 2003 summer season.

Other items on the agenda for the day include the election of a new board of directors for the OVTA and a sneak preview of the association's website under redesign and to be released later this month. .

The meeting will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Rocky Mountain House in Renfrew. For more information, contact Marie White, Special Projects Coordinator, OVTA, 732-4364 or 800-757-6580.

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