Member News

Visit Lebanon Valley, the area’s new tourism promotion agency, officially launched in March 2015. The Lebanon Valley Expo Center previously managed the Lebanon Valley’s destination marketing, however Visit Lebanon Valley was reformed so that it can focus its efforts purely on promoting the community and tourism.
   Laura Putt, the president of Visit Lebanon Valley, was formerly the editor of “Lehigh Valley Family” magazine. Her husband was born and raised in Lebanon, and she and her family recently moved back to the area after she accepted her new position at Visit Lebanon Valley. However, Putt says that she really fell in love with Lebanon when she was in college. While in school, she was hired to conduct random surveys on the street in Lebanon City, asking people their impressions and views on Lebanon. Putt could see past Lebanon’s rough edges to its small town charm, and knew she wanted to somehow help to improve the area’s image.
   A 501(c)(6) organization, Visit Lebanon Valley is governed by a board of nearly 20 members. The organization’s main office is located at the Lebanon Farmers Market building at 31 S. 8th Street in Lebanon. Putt and the board chose this location since Lebanon is the county seat, and since the market is at the heart of the city. The Lebanon Farmers Market also promotes a lot of traffic through the Visit Lebanon Valley office.
   The prime location of the tourism agency’s office allows Putt the chance to meet with a number of local area residents. They tell Putt invaluable stories about Lebanon’s golden past, and look at the artifacts and memorabilia in Visit Lebanon Valley’s own “mini museum.”
   “That’s why we’re here,” Putt stated. “To tell Lebanon’s story. How our community was founded. Where we are. Where we’re going.”
   According to Putt, there are a number of tour trends which are sweeping the nation, mainly centered on baby boomers and millennials. These groups of individuals are looking for getaway stays lasting three to four days that can offer them adventures and experiences. The top three tourism traits which visitors typically look for in an area are history, outdoor recreation, and the arts, all of which the Lebanon Valley has to offer.
   Putt also explained that Pennsylvania is among the top ten most visited states in the country. However, the state government only dictates a certain percentage of its budget be put toward tourism, which may limit how much the state is able to promote itself as a destination. Surrounded by Hershey, Lancaster, and Gettysburg, the Lebanon Valley is in a niche tourist area, and Putt will have to take this into consideration as she moves forward in the organization.
   Since Visit Lebanon Valley officially opened its doors, Putt said that the response toward the organization has been “overwhelmingly positive with the amount of goodwill that people are displaying.”
   As Visit Lebanon Valley continues in its mission of promoting the local area, Putt wants to spread the word about the organization’s newly launched website: www.visitlebanonvalley.com. Businesses are invited to list their events on Visit Lebanon Valley’s online calendar. Putt said that she wants Visit Lebanon Valley and its website to be the “go-to place for community residents and visitors alike.” If someone wants to see what there is to do in Lebanon on a weekend, whether they’re an area resident or a visitor, they can go to the Visit Lebanon Valley website to see what is happening in the community.
   Putt is also looking for local businesses who would like to put brochures and fliers in the organization’s office. Restaurants are invited to bring copies of their menus to display as well. Putt said having printed materials handy is extremely helpful and essential when she’s helping potential visitors plan their trips to the area.
   Another project up Putt’s sleeve is having information kiosks spread throughout the county. These kiosks will help Visit Lebanon Valley to “meet visitors where they are,” and they will be strategically placed in all parts of the community, from Palmyra to Richland.
   In addition to the kiosks, Visit Lebanon Valley is working on revamping its guidebook and building its social media following. The organization is also looking for volunteers, “anyone passionate about the community,” willing to devote some of their time to help keep the visitors center and office at the market open to aid anyone who might have questions.
   Putt sees building brand awareness as Visit Lebanon Valley’s biggest challenge right now. The organization is investing time in the community and working toward building community pride. In order to do this, Putt is focusing on building relationships and showing both visitors and local residents what the area has to offer.
   Putt is always willing to make new connections and talk with individuals regarding Visit Lebanon Valley and its mission. Anyone interested in setting up a time to meet can contact her by phone at 717-454-7762 or by email at lputt@visitlebanonvalley.com. The Visit Lebanon Valley office is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m. (or by appointment). Anyone interested can also follow Visit Lebanon Valley through their various social media accounts:

Google +: Visit Lebanon Valley Pa
Twitter: @VstLebValley
Facebook: Visit Lebanon Valley
Instagram: visitlebanonvalley