Governor Douglas Kicks Off New Information Ambassador Program

06/15/2010

Erica Houskeeper  802-828-0528

Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Jim Douglas Monday kicked off a new program to provide local businesses and organizations with the opportunity to become Information Ambassadors through a new public-private partnership with the State of Vermont.

New, blue “INFO” signs will be displayed in front of local businesses and organizations to notify visitors that basic travel information is available to the public – such as guidebooks, maps and a bathroom facility. The program was launched in the seven-town Okemo Valley region and will go statewide this summer.

“This program is a win-win for both businesses and travelers in Vermont,” said Governor Douglas.  “Through the Information Ambassador program, travelers can easily find information, maps and facilities by locating the new blue “INFO” signs.  Businesses and organizations that participate in the program will benefit from more visitors stopping by.”

The program is designed as a welcoming way to assist travelers touring the state, which was the first to outlaw billboards more than 40 years ago. The new signs, which must comply with local ordinances, will help visitors find helpful information at establishments located on state highways and town roads. The program also comes a year after state budget cuts prompted the closure of four out of 20 information center rest areas around the state.

“This is among the first efforts of its kind in the country to sanction private sector establishments as state information centers,” said Vermont Tourism and Marketing Commissioner Bruce Hyde.  “This is another example of how state government is working with our private sector partners to make Vermont an even more welcoming place for travelers.”

The Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing (VDTM) has worked closely with the Vermont Information Center Division (VICD) and other state departments to implement this unique program.  Businesses and organizations will be required to complete training provided by experienced, state information specialists and to make basic services available to the traveling public in order to be eligible to display the new, blue “INFO” sign in front of their establishment. 

VDTM and VICD will promote this new program through email, radio, the 2011 edition of the State map and the state’s visitor centers during the coming months.  Statewide trainings will take place this summer to expand the Information Ambassador program to all regions in Vermont.

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