Tourism North Bay has hired a new lead, following the resignation of its former director just a week prior.
Steve Dreany, a local resident with more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, has filled the role as of Feb. 28.
Dreany becomes the third director of Tourism North Bay in a year and a half.
His predecessor, Steve Hollingshead, spent just over a year in the role before leaving to take a job as property tour lead with Ellliot Lake Retirement Living. His last day on the job was Feb. 22.
The organization's first director, Trista Verbiwski, lasted just three days before leaving for personal reasons.
In a news release, Dreany noted his experience includes stints with the Howard Johnson Hotel and Shoeless Joe's restaurant.
“This is a dream position for me,” said Dreany. “As one of the founders of Blue Sky Radio 20 years ago, it was the goal to promote tourism and welcome people to this beautiful city.”
He said the city has what tourists want; it's just a matter of getting their attention.
"I think it's just a matter of doing everything we can to get the word out to people that we are here, especially with the advent of eco-tourism now and all of the nature we have to offer in winter, summer, spring, and fall," Dreany told BayToday.
"We're a four-seasons nature destination, as well as conventions, meetings, and sports. We've kind of got it all; we've just got to get the word out."
Dreany has also been the past president of the North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce, a board member with the NECO Community Futures Development Corp., the past president of the Rotary Club of Nipissing, a Blue Sky Economic Growth Corp. board member, and the general manager of the Howard Johnson Hotel. Dreany is "happily married with two children and four grandchildren."
First up for Dreany is the 2018 Ford World Women’s Curling Championship that takes place this March 17-25 at Memorial Gardens.
Tourism North Bay, which was launched in May 2015, is governed by a volunteer board of directors and aims to make North Bay a four-season tourism destination.
