Midlands Authority Recognizes Hot Employee of the Year

COLUMBIA, SC – February 23, 2009 – The Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism (MACST) is pleased to announce Kelly Barbrey as the Employee of the Year Award recipient for 2008.  As Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Barbrey is responsible for the marketing efforts of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, the Columbia Regional Sports Council and the Columbia Regional Visitors Center.  She is also responsible for each entity’s advertising plan as well as overseeing the sales of each department.

Barbrey was incredibly instrumental in Columbia’s latest marketing campaign; Columbia, SC Famously Hot.  Her strong leadership skills directed the hiring of the MACST’s newest advertising agency, ADCO, as well working with other community leaders to set the direction of the new campaign. Her expertise in the convention and meetings industry has landed Columbia in premier trade publications with prime locations for targeting meeting planners.   In addition, all of the partner services, marketing, and communications for the organization are under her management. 

President/CEO for the MACST, Ric Luber, states, “Kelly is an exceptionally smart and sharp professional. She embodies the characteristics of a true leader and has gotten all those under her administration pumped up and aggressive in competing within our industry.  She did a fantastic job with spear-heading the efforts of our new marketing campaign and she is just a joy to work with and her creativity is top-notch.  We are very proud of her work and accomplishments.”