By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
Adams County Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC) Executive Director Colton Bickel has announced a change in the Tourism Initiative.
Taylor Braun will be stepping down upon graduation from Purdue Fort Wayne and Kalie Neal has been hired as the new tourism director.
Braun served in the post over the past year. “We are overjoyed to see Taylor take the next step in her career and are proud of the work she accomplished for the ACEDC Tourism Initiative. We wish her all the best,” Bickel said in a news release.
Bickel said Neal is a dedicated professional with a background in human resources and community engagement.
A lifelong resident of Adams County, Kalie has always had a
passion to find ways to actively contribute to local growth, especially through her involvement on committees and her role as a board member for Imagine Early, Bickel said.
“Her roots in the community – both as someone who grew up in the county and now raising her family here – provide her with a unique and valuable perspective,” the director continued. “Kalie’s local insight, combined with her passion for relationship-building and strategic thinking, will be a great benefit as she steps into the role of tourism director.”
“While this role marks a shift from my previous professional experience in human resources, many of the core values remain the same – building relationships, supporting growth, and making a positive impact in our community,” Neal said in the news release.
“I’m incredibly excited to take a creative approach to showcasing all that Adams County has to offer. From our local attractions to the events that bring people together, I look forward to highlighting the things that make our county special. I’ve always loved networking and connecting with people, and I’m truly looking forward to starting this new journey as tourism director,”
According to Bickel, Neal will be promoting the county’s attractions, events, and unique offerings to both local residents and visitors. Responsibilities will include developing and implementing marketing campaigns that highlight tourism assets, such as the Limberlost State Historic Site in Geneva, exploring Pine Lake, and cultural events like the annual Swiss Days festival in Berne and Downtown Decatur Days.
Bickel said the role will involve collaborating with local businesses to create new ideas that attract tourists and enhance visitor experiences. Additionally, monitoring tourism trends
and visitor feedback being crucial for adjusting strategies to maximize tourism growth and economic impact in Adams County.
“The Adams County EDC is thrilled to add Kalie Neal to our team,” said Bickel, who will supervise the tourism director. “ I have been fortunate to work with Kalie in a variety of capacities and know the experience and energy she will bring to this role.
“We believe that Kalie’s expertise in building relationships, leading projects, thinking strategically, and marketing organizations will result in leading our Tourism Initiative into the next phase of growth.”
