N recognition of travel and tourism's tremendous economic, social and cultural impact in Bucks County, the Bucks County Conference & Visitors Bureau, Inc. (BCCVB) is pleased to announce a program to observe National Tourism Month. This community awareness event titled, Discover Bucks: Be A Tourist In Your Own County will take place the month of May 2001. Tourism is the second largest industry in Pennsylvania and National Tourism Month is a time when the Bucks County Conference & Visitors Bureau will focus on and celebrate the impact of travel and tourism in our area.

The objectives of the program are to familiarize Bucks County residents with attractions, lodging, shopping districts and restaurants within Bucks County, to make ambassadors out of the residents, and to increase and extend their visiting friends and relative's visits. Participating BCCVB members will offer discounts during the month-long event. Residents of the community and surrounding areas will have the opportunity to experience the many treasurers that travelers to Bucks County visited and spent over $518.59 million in 1998.

"This is the perfect opportunity for Bucks County residents to discover their own county," says Paula Fitch, Executive Director of the BCCVB. "We want to make residents aware of all the wonderful things right here in the county, and turn them into ambassadors of tourism so they can spread the word to others."

The "Be a Tourist in Your Own County" will be promoted through the "Passport to Bucks County Savings," a coupon booklet spotlighting participating businesses. Those businesses will offer special incentives, throughout the month of May and some offers extended until the end of the year. A total of 2,500 coupon booklets are currently available at the BCCVB.

"We at the BCCVB are undertaking this program because it benefits both residents and businesses throughout the county," adds Fitch. "We encourage businesses to take advantage of the opportunity to receive outstanding, cost-effective exposure to their friends and neighbors right here in Bucks County, and for residents to simply have a great time 'touring' close to home while enjoying tremendous discounts."

We hope that all of our members are planning to participate in this event. Participation forms have been sent out in a special mailing and they are due back on November 27. If you are interested in serving on the committee, please contact Suzy Buehler at 215-949-9606 or at [email protected].

For further information about this exciting community event, or to purchase your Passport to Bucks County Savings, please contact the BCCVB at 888-359-9110 or visit our web site at www.bccvb.org.

BUCKS COUNTY AWARDS IT'S S.T.A.R.'S FOR 2000

T'S been an exciting summer for the second annual S.T.A.R. (Service That Attracts Recognition) Awards Program. The program was successfully launched in May 1999. The program has run during the summer months, May 27 to August 13, 2000, during which time patrons at participating businesses -- including both visitors and residents - had the opportunity to submit nominations for employees who exhibit customer service that goes "above and beyond."

Winners were awarded at the BCCVB Annual Meeting on November 15, which was sponsored and hosted by the Headley Manor Dinner Theatre. The winners were selected based upon the quality of individual services provided. With the support of sponsors such as American Express, US Airways, Sesame Place, Middletown Country Club, & Premier Recognition the top 4 finalists will receive prize packages valued at $1,000, and the grand prizewinner will receive a package of fun for two to Orlando valued at $5,000. The visitor/patron who nominates the S.T.A.R. grand prizewinner will receive an all expense paid trip to Bucks County.

The top four S.T.A.R.S. for 2000 are: Mark Danaskus of Uno's in Doylestown, Suzi Thomas of Comfort Inn Bensalem, Fred Hubscher of Crayola Factory and Alysia Dippolito of Sesame Place. The grand prize winner is Jen Rapko of Don Pablo's. Congratulations on your achievements and the BCCVB thanks you for your commitment to excellent customer service in our hospitality-related facilities.

"The 1999 S.T.A.R. program was a tremendous success, and this year's program has been even better," says Valerie Crapeau, Chairperson of the S.T.A.R Awards Committee. "We had more businesses participating, which meant that more employees were given the opportunity to receive recognition for the service that makes visiting the Bucks County area so enjoyable."

The program had many highlights, but there were a few that were targeted at raising the standard of hospitality in Bucks County. One of them was the Hospitality/Service Training Seminar. Program employees had the opportunity to attend the seminar, sponsored by the Olive Garden in Langhorne, to learn how to provide excellent customer service. The seminar was designed to enhance the hospitality training that service professionals already receive. This seminar arms employees with the skills and knowledge needed to provide S.T.A.R. service. It also gives front-line employees the opportunity to look at the "big picture" and to better understand the impact tourism has on Bucks County.

Another fun-factor of the S.T.A.R Program was the surprise visits made to participating businesses. The Prize Patrol was on the look out for Bucks County S.T.A.R.'s! When they found them, the S.T.A.R. employee was awarded (on the spot) with special prizes donated by local businesses! Those employees were then invited to the Recognition Reception, sponsored and hosted by Sesame Place at which time the top ten S.T.A.R.s were revealed.

The BCCVB would like to thank Valerie Crapeau for her service as chair of the committee. Her commitment and enthusiasm for the past two years has been appreciated. We would also like to introduce the new co-chairs. Ray Bauer of the Olive Garden and Angella Mania of Uno's Chicago Bar and Grill. Both Ray and Angella have served on the S.T.A.R. committee for the past two years. Congratulations and good luck!

THE DESOTOS ARE COMING! THE DESOTOS ARE COMING!

HE National DeSoto Club(NDC) has chosen Doylestown Bucks County as the host site for its 2001 convention (August 15th - 19th). The NDC is the international organization for some 2000 DeSoto enthusiasts. The DeSoto motor car, named for the Spanish explorer of the 1500's, was a product of the Chrysler Corporation. Production began in 1928 and ceased with the 1961 model year. The car was known in the 1950's for its famed forward look--the one sporting the tail fins. It also sponsored the much watched TV show "You Bet Your Life" with Groucho Marx.

Bucks County was chosen because it still retains much of its original beauty and charm. The site of the show where the cars will be on display to the public is the Moravian Tile Works. The club plans to do many driving events with the cars. These will include drives through covered bridges, Washington Crossing State Park and its surrounds, Byers Choice factory, visit to a working dairy farm, and the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa. The cars can take it. Many have the famed Hemi engine and were built like tanks. The club expects several international members from Europe and Australia. They probably won't be driving their cars to the convention, though.

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE

N behalf of the BCCVB, I would like to thank our members for another successful membership campaign. For the fourth consecutive year, our membership campaign resulted with a retention rate of 84%! This not only shows that our membership appreciates the work of the BCCVB, but they are dedicated to our mission of increasing visitation to Bucks County.

We have just completed our second annual S.T.A.R. Program and believe that we have again achieved our objective to set a standard of excellence in customer service. We are anxiously awaiting our Annual Meeting on November 15 to announce the 2000 Bucks County S.T.A.R.S. The program received a great honor this year by being awarded the Pennsylvania Travel Council Spirit of Hospitality Award in Guest Relations. Congratulations to our S.T.A.R.S and to those who have worked on the committee to create a successful program!

The BCCVB web site continues to enjoy tremendous increases in user sessions and hits. The addition of new pathways provided visitors and businesses with more information about Bucks County as a destination able to accommodate a variety of tourism markets, i.e. leisure, corporate, group tour and the media.

The BCCVB forged new regional partnerships as a member of the Philadelphia 2000 Host Committee. The Republican National Convention provided much excitement to our area and the BCCVB was proud to have been a part of the planning and implementation. The convention held in Philadelphia was an experience that will last a lifetime.

The BCCVB is looking forward to another successful year!

Thank You,

Paula M. Fitch
Executive Director, BCCVB

BCCVB STAFF GROWS

Over the past few years there have been several new initiatives and programs introduced by the Membership Department, which have added to the benefits available to our members. It has also made it necessary to grow the staff of Membership Department. Please join us in welcoming the newest of the BCCVB staff, Judy Marrash, Membership Sales Representative. Judy brings a variety of consulting and managing experience as well as new energy and enthusiasm. Please feel free to contact Judy at 215-499-0626 with your membership referrals.

Additionally, Liz LeGierse will be covering for Tricia Detky, Membership Assistant, while Tricia and her soon-expected baby get acquainted. Please allow Liz to assist you with your membership questions by calling her at 215-345-4552 ext. 102. As always, you may also contact Suzy Buehler, Membership Sales Manager at 215-949-9606.

DATES T0 REMEMBER

Bucks County Conference & Visitors Bureau Annual Meeting:
November 15, 2000 at the Headley Manor Dinner Theatre. Please call Suzy Buehler 215-949-9606 for further information.

Membership Meetings:
The S.T.A.R. Awards Program and Discover Bucks: Be A Tourist In Your Own County holds monthly committee meetings. If you are interested in attending, please contact Suzy Buehler at 215-949-9606 or at [email protected].

PHILADELPHIA AND ITS COUNTRYSIDE

HE Southeast PA Travel Council has initiated a new domestic group leader marketing initiative for "Philadelphia and Its Countryside". Previously this group has targeted only the international market. Our goal is to promote Philadelphia and its four surrounding counties as a region with tremendous diversity and itineraries for all seasons. Kathi will join with her colleagues in these counties to represent the region at 11 different group leader shows in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Western PA, Ohio, Virginia and Texas. Each Sales Manager will attend only 3 shows yet we will be represented at all 11 shows. We are designing a very exciting collateral piece for our handout and have ordered giveaways with the "Philadelphia and Its Countryside" logo. A tabletop display representing all 5 counties has been assembled. The group is working on 9 different themed itineraries and a combined annual calendar of events. Itineraries will cover Arts/Culture, Shopping, Soft Adventure, History, Religious, Holiday, Homes & Gardens, African-American, and Entertainment. We are also developing a Power Point presentation to be used at larger shows and on the road. The group will be doing a Sales Blitz to North Carolina in September. We will be visiting approximately 13 tour operators in the Charlotte, Asheville, Greensboro, Winston-Salem and Raleigh-Durham areas.

GROUP SEMINARS

N June 13th, Kathi attended a Group Tour Marketing Seminar sponsored by The Pennsylvania Center for Travel, Tourism & Film. The first speaker was Mike Palmer, Executive Director of SYTA (Student Youth Travel Association). Mike spoke about "Understanding & Attracting the Student Market". If anyone is interested in his speech notes on "Finding Business in the Growing Student/Youth Market, please contact Kathi. Also speaking was Ed Dresel, Owner & President of Destinations Unlimited, Inc. and next year's present of the National Tour Association. Ed spoke on "Current Trends in the Motorcoach Market". His talk was similar to the one Mark Hoffmann, current President of NTA, gave at the Independence Seaport Museum in May on "Partnering & Packaging in the 21st Century". Ed did not have a handout but Mark did. Again if you are interested in this information, contact Kathi.

April 5, 2001
Location: Baltimore, MD
Show Cost $250/ Extra person $50
BCCVB Co-op cost: $100
2 co-op partners

This past year was a new format with group leaders attending. They are working out some of the kinks and next year should be even better. Approximately 300 group leaders attended this year.

Glamer Travel Shows - Possible Spring Dates & Locations

Thursday, April 26, 2001
Location: Albany, NY
Show Cost: $545/1 booth
BCCVB Co-op Cost: $200 per show
1 Co-op partner per show

Wednesday , May 2, 2001
Location: Baltimore, MD
Show Cost: $545/1 booth
BCCVB Co-op Cost: $200 per show
1 Co-op partner per show

Travel Agent Market

National Travel Exchange Trade Shows
Dates under consideration for the spring TBA
Locations: waiting for schedule
Show Cost: $545
BCCVB Co-op Cost: $200
2 Co-op partners

These are evening travel agent shows and I have attended 4 since last November that have given us over 150 qualified travel agent leads and well as several agents who also do group motorcoach tours. These are very well run shows and worthwhile attending. The shows are all evening shows with set up at 4:30pm and show running from 6-8pm. I will be driving to these shows. In October I'll be doing three more shows sharing a booth with Brandywine. Several other PA CVB's will also be attending as well as the State office.

SOCCER SHOOTOUT MAKES BIG HIT

OR the third time in as many years, Summit Sports Inc. of Denver, CO has brought its Northeast Regional 3x3 Soccer Shootout to Bucks County. Macclesfield Park in Yardly, PA hosted the event.

Based on the Soccer Shootouts first year's totals, expectations were high that a large number of guests from Massachusetts to Virginia would come to Bucks and make a big economic impact. The event took place August 26 - 27 and proved to live up to its potential.

Post Tournament Totals:

Number of Teams:	216
Number of Players:	1,015
Two Day Attendance:	6,100
Divisions:	26
Games:	550
Number of Fields:	26
Number of Bucks County T-Shirts:	1,000
Contribution to Charity:	$2,160.00

Where did the Players come from?:

1,015 players from 365 different cities and 11 states participated in the 2000 Northeast Regionals.

Top 5 Cities and %

Yardley, PA	5%
Philadelphia, PA	5%
Salisbury, MD	4%
Harrisburg, PA	3%
Pittsburgh, PA	2%

Participant Demographics

Age	Male	%	Female	%
6-10	301	30%	114	11%
11-14	275	27%	131	13%
15-19	74	7%	12	1%
20-29	50	5%	20	2%
30+	33	3%	5	0%
Totals	733	69%	282	31%

THE BUCKS COUNTY CONFERENCE AND VISITORS BUREAU WELCOMES THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS!

ACCOMMODATIONS

Bed & Breakfast

Honey Hollow Farm Bed & Breakfast
2799 Creamery Rd.
New Hope, PA 18938
Valerie Phillips
Phone: (215) 862-5336

Inn at Arianna Miles (The)
243 Old Bethlehem Rd.
Quakertown, PA 18951
Pascale McLaughlin
Phone: (215) 529-1587

Mill Creek Farm Bed & Breakfast
2348 Quarry Rd., P.O. Box 816
Buckingham, PA 18912
James Brame Sr
Phone: (215) 794-0776

Country Inns

Seipsville Inn (The)
2912 Old Nazareth Rd.
Easton, PA 18045
Dino Pettinelli
Phone: (610) 252-3620

ATTRACTIONS

Family Fun

Liberty Belle Cruises
333 North Front Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Stacy Sullivan
Phone: (215) 629-1131

Festivals

Oaklane Quarter Midget Racing Club Inc.
Tollgate Road
Trumbauersville, PA
Jeff Diegel
Phone: (215) 750-6936

Historic Sites

Historic Morrisville Society - Summerseat Bldg
Hillcrest & Legion Ave
Morrisville, PA 19067
Carol Kuronya
Phone: (215) 295-7339

Rural History Confederation
400 Daniel Boone Road
Birdsboro, PA 19508
Jim Lewars
Phone: (610) 582-4900

Entertainment

Café Classics
816 N. Easton Rd.
Doylestown, PA 18901
Deborah Millman
Phone: (215) 489-5071

Delaware Valley Philhamonic Orchestra
409 Hood Blvd.
Fairless Hills, PA 19030
Ronald L. Worisman
Phone: (610) 834-6335

Wineries

Rushland Ridge Vineyards
2665 Rushland Road
Jamison, PA 18929
Ed Ullman
Phone: (215) 598-0251

DINING

Family

Buckingham Deli & Caterers
Buckingham Green Plaza 4950 York Road
Buckingham, PA 18928
Melanie Seibold
Phone: (215) 794-5799

Pineville Tavern (The)
1098 Durham Road (RT. 413)
Pineville, PA 18946
Jonathon Miller
Phone: (215) 598-3890

Fast Food

Baskin-Robbins
350 Second Street Pike
Southampton, PA 18966
Phil Hagele
Phone: (215) 355-6535

Fine Dining

Cafe Arielle
100 S. Main St.
Doylestown, PA 18901
Jacques Colmaire
Phone: (215) 345-5930

Pink Petal Tearoom (The)
90 W Afton Ave
Yardley, PA 19067
Clair Marie Kelly

SERVICES

Banks & Financial Services

Practical Management Services
Nine S. Sycamore St.
Newtown, PA 18940
Kate Godsell
Phone: (215) 968-6545

Caterers & Banquet/Meeting Facilities

Annie B's Confections
795 Washington Crossing Road
Newtown, PA 18940
Danielle Ball
Phone: (215) 860-2444

Chefs on the Runs, Inc.
One A Highpoint Dr.
Chalfont, PA 18914
Fred Hoffman
Phone: (215) 822-9698

Max and Me Catering
Box 481
Holicong, PA 18928
Harry Spivak
Phone: (215) 297-8059

Memorable Affairs Catering
1101 Little Ln.
Hartsville, PA 18974
Jack Skudris
Phone: (215) 674-1047

Colleges & Educational Services

Philadelphia Biblical University
200 Manor Avenue
Langhorne, PA 19047
Lynda Hayes
Phone: (215) 752-5800

Fulfillment Agency

International Fulfillment, Inc.
11631 Caroline Rd.
Philadelphia, PA 19154
Bill Rimler
Phone: (215) 638-8060

Media & On-Line Services

Idea Commincation Networks, Inc.
1204 S. Second St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Greg Mester, Jr.
Phone: (215) 463-6465

Meeting & Event Planners/Consulting Services

Professional Events Planners & Floral Designs
Ten Pleasant Hill Road
Monroe Twp., NJ 08831
Maureen Barlow
Phone: (609) 860-9800

Queen of Hearts Wedding Consultants
P.O. Box 682
New Hope, PA 18938
Mark L Kingsdorf
Phone: (267) 251-7786

Red Letter Events
P.O. Box 736
Glenside, PA 19038
Eva Rosario
Phone: (215) 885-1164

Photography & Video Productions

Cherry Hill Photo
1200 Haddonfield Rd.
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Gail Hargaden
Phone: (800) 826-8836

Real Estate, Relocation & Rentals

Prudential Fox & Roach
76 S. Main St.
Yardley, PA 19067
Ann Redwanowski
Phone: (215) 493-4343

Tours, Travel & Transportation

G Mattia Tours, Inc.
1470 S. Pennsylvania Ave. N.
Morrisville, PA 19047
Cathy French
Phone: (215) 428-6865

SHOPPING

Antiques, Collectibles & Crafts

Architectural Antiques
3080 Bedminster Road
Bedminster, PA 18910
Wayne Rickert
Phone: (215) 795-2616

Auntie Q's Collectible Stuffe
905 River Road
Erwinna, PA 18920
Diane A Martino
Phone: (610) 294-9950

Creekview Crafts
13 Trenton Road
Hulmeville, PA 19047
Jim Jolly
Phone: (215) 702-7210

Furnishings & Décor

Country Touch
P.O. Box 77
Revere, PA 18953
Donna Davis
Phone: (610) 847-3053

Specialty Shops

Dollhouse (The)
223 York Road
Warminster, PA 18974
Betty Marshall
Phone: (215) 443-7781