Abilene, Kansas has a new CVB Director

City of Abilene Names Michael Player as Tourism Director

The City of Abilene has named Michael Player to the position of Convention and Visitors Bureau Director. Glenda Purkis, the current Convention and Visitors Bureau Director, has announced her retirement on December 26, 2015 after a successful career of thirty years in tourism. Glenda served as Abilene’s Convention and Visitors Bureau Director for nine years.

The City Manager received input from an interview committee comprised of various stakeholders and interests throughout the community that interact often with the the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Michael comes to the City of Abilene with experience in marketing and public relations. He also has experience in digital media and event planning. Most recently, Michael has been a successful entrepreneur where he started his own advertising agency that specialized in digital media.

“Michael has a tremendous personality and his experience will add a great amount of value to the Convention and Visitors Bureau,” says City Manager David Dillner. “Michael will bring a different perspective to tourism promotion in Abilene that will no doubt allow Abilene, and its many attractions, to thrive in a very competitive environment.”

Prior to accepting the Convention and Visitors Bureau Director position, Michael was the founder and president of MVP Marketing, LLC, where he spent twenty-six years building a successful marketing business. He also served as the president and managing member of Universal Financial Systems, LLC. Michael has served in an academic capacity as an adjunct professor with the University of Missouri-Kansas City where he taught at the Henry W. Bloch School of Management and has also served as an adjunct professor at MidAmerica Nazarene University’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership.

He earned a Master of Science degree in Human Relations and Business from Abilene Christian University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing from the University of North Texas.

Michael’s first day with the City is expected to be December 28, 2015. His initial assignments will include coordinating the upcoming Sesquicentennial Celebration of the Chisholm Trail, rebranding the City’s marketing efforts, and developing and implementing a comprehensive marketing plan to promote Abilene and its attractions to the world. Michael will also undertake a review of the various business lines managed by the Convention and Visitors Bureau to include trolley operations, operation of the Visitor Information Center, and the CVB’s website and social media platforms.

“The City is especially grateful to Glenda Purkis for her dedicated service to the City of Abilene and the Convention and Visitors Bureau,” said City Manager David Dillner. “Glenda has contributed much to Abilene’s tourism industry over the last few years and will be greatly missed. The City wishes her all the best as she begins her new adventure in retirement.” The City is hosting a retirement reception for Glenda on December 16, 2015 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the Civic Center. The public is invited to attend.

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