By Scott Smalstig—
MUNCIE, IN—LaShanta Vaughn, CEO and Executive Director of Visit Muncie, the local visitor’s bureau, has announced the hiring of Jeffrey Neff as its Director of Marketing and Community Engagement.
For the last 10 years, Neff has been the marketing manager for Harrah’s Hoosier Park in Anderson where he was responsible for social media, advertising, promotional programming and execution. He assisted with campaign strategy, production, and key execution for Harrah’s biggest events as well as their rebranding.
“Jeff couldn’t be any better suited for this position,” said Vaughn. “Not only are his experiences perfect, but he is originally from the Muncie area and now gets to use his talents for his home community.”
Visit Muncie is the governing body of Destination: Muncie whose offices are on South Walnut Street in downtown Muncie.
Neff graduated with honors from Ball State University, where he was a cheerleader, with a degree in Psychology and is an Eagle Scout. “I grew up here, went to Ball State and now get to tell everyone about what a great community this truly is,” said Neff. “I’m so proud to be working for my home community.”
Neff’s role will include attending tradeshows to represent and promote the city of Muncie and Delaware County. He will also work closely with the Horizon Convention Center to solicit group events, as well as meet with professional meeting and sports planners to make them aware of our great destination and the many unique amenities the community offers.
Neff will be responsible for collaborating with our hoteliers to ensure the community stays focused on filling rooms with visitors, as well as coordinating of marketing campaigns and materials with the internal staff, Intersection marketing agency and vendors. Neff will also be creating and implementing an enhanced partnership platform that engages local businesses in visitation materials and efforts.
“Jeff knows marketing and knows this community,” said Jarod Walls, president of the board of Visit Muncie. “He’s a great addition to the team and will help put Muncie on the map.”
Neff is a Muncie area enthusiast who loves kayaking on the White River and attending local farmers markets and craft festivals. He enjoys sampling local fare at places like Puerto Vallarta, Elm Street and Bruce’s Pizza at the Heorot downtown.
“I love the phrase, ‘If you can dream it, you can do it,’ and I hope I can help some of Muncie’s dreams come true,” said Neff.
Destination: Muncie is a resource for making visitors feel at home and for helping locals feel connected to the community. Its mission is to enhance the economy and quality of life of Muncie and Delaware County by collaboratively leading the marketing and promotion of the region’s attractions, cultural assets, and outdoor resources to attract people from around the state, country and world.
Its vision is for Muncie and Delaware County to be respected for offering extensive, unique, one-of-a-kind experiences that entertain and educate in a vibrant, central setting in the United States.
Visit Muncie, Inc. emanated from The Delaware County Convention and Tourism Commission which is established in the county code and funded by the county innkeepers tax. Board members are appointed by the Mayor and the County Commissioners.
Current Visit Muncie board members include Jarod Walls, Nick Papandria, Dillon Carpenter, Heidi Hale, Ashley Wright, Sally Piper, Patty Goddard, Kenneth Reed, and Yolanda Taylor.