For the last 16-plus years, Executive Director Bill Stevens has been the steady head of the Cadiz-Trigg County Tourist & Convention Commission — responsible for a robust budget and promotion of the local community to prospective visitors.
Tuesday afternoon, citing personal reasons, Stevens told the board his tenure will come to an end effective July 31.
The commission is expected to take some considerable time to find his replacement, and as such, a new hire is not expected before the next meeting scheduled for August 13. Outside of mayor, judge-executive, police chief, sheriff and school superintendent, the role is one of Trigg County’s most important due simply to the tax management required.
Tourism growth in Trigg County and the City of Cadiz has been hard to ignore over the last two decades, as the development of US 68/80 and the acceleration of digital media has brought many to south western Kentucky.
Stevens said he would be available for questions, concerns and advice in the future, but an advisory role is all he could foresee handling.
In other tourism news:
— Stevens noted that the most recent Cadiz Cruz-In at West Cadiz Park brought in more than 85 vehicles, owners and their friends and families. Furthermore, the July 6 celebration at Lake Barkley State Resort Park went off without much of a hitch: a great success.
— Board members will also spend the next month deciding on a new, or reappointed, chairman and treasurer, after beginning nominations. Deepak Patel currently serves as chairman, Lucas Hale is treasurer.
