Ambassador of Tourism
For June 2007

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Deb Archer

Since 1995, Deb Archer has served as President and CEO of the Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB). Combined with her previous leadership roles at CVB's in Kansas City and Park City, Utah, Deb brings more than 25 years' experience in the tourism and convention industry. Deb is also a Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME), which has enabled her to consistently keep both herself and her organization at the forefront of the industry. In addition, she serves as Chair of the Wisconsin Governor's Council on Tourism and as a Board Member of the Destination Marketing Association International, the world's largest and most reliable resource for convention and visitors bureaus. A longtime leader in the community, Deb's knowledge and experience also provides a strong voice within the Madison area's main economic development efforts. Deb is a Greater Madison Collaboration Council participant, and serves as a board member of the Regional Economic Development Entity (REDE). Both of these efforts have successfully resulted in growing Madison's competitive position in attracting visitors.

Thanks to the efforts of Deb and the GMCVB in marketing the destination, the Madison area comes alive in June! Starting on the Capitol Square, every Saturday is jammed with walkers (counter-clockwise, please!) enjoying the famous Farmer's Market, while Wednesday evenings are more soothing with picnickers relaxing to the sounds of the Madison Chamber Orchestra's Concerts on the Square. Other popular community events include the Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure at the Alliant Energy Center, Terrace Fest at the Wisconsin Union, and Feast with the Beasts at the Henry Vilas Zoo. June also kicks off the summer season at the American Players Theater in Spring Green – just up the road from Frank Lloyd Wright's spectacular home, Taliesin (a must-see tour stop). And finally, June in Madison ends with a bang! Make that a boom – Rhythm & Booms to be exact (Madison's stunning Fourth of July celebration and fireworks event).

For all she has done, Deb Archer has won numerous industry honors that include the Best of Madison Business Award (Madison Magazine), Woman of Influence (InBusiness Magazine) and she was chosen as one of Madison's 125 Most Influential People (Madison Magazine). In the heart of Badger country, Deb proudly holds a degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management from Michigan State University. Personally, she enjoys traveling, gardening, and experiencing greater Madison's wonderful activities including the Farmer's Market, Ironman Wisconsin, summer nights at UW's Memorial Union Terrace and events at the Overture Center for the Arts. And of course, Deb savors dining out with her family at any one of Dane County's great eating establishments.