FRANKFORT, Ky. (December 2, 2004) Commissioner Randy Fiveash announced the appointment of Cheryl Ealy as Director of Sales for the Kentucky Department of Tourism.  The sales division handles national and international marketing, attracting meetings and conventions to Kentucky, attracting group travel, and agritourism and ecotourism developments.

“Ealy is a great addition to our team,” Fiveash said.  “I know she will be a great asset in our efforts to promote Kentucky as a travel destination.”

Ealy is a long-time veteran to the tourism and travel industry.  Before joining the agency, Ealy was Director of Sales for the National Tour Association. Her long-time career has included positions such as:  Vice President of Sales with the Quad Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau and Chair for the Illinois Council of Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Sales Committee.

During Ealy’s tenure at Quad Cities she was responsible for the development and implementation of sales programs for all tourism markets including meetings and conventions, group travel, and leisure sales.  Ealy also received the designation of a “Certified Meeting Professional” and was named Director of the Quad Cities Sports Commission. 

Ealy has been involved in the Hospitality industry since 1994 and has worked with the Isle of Capri Casino and Hotel and the President Casino and Hotel. 

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The Kentucky Department of Tourism, an agency of the Kentucky Commerce Cabinet, exists to promote the Commonwealth as a travel destination, to generate revenue and create jobs for Kentucky's economy. Tourism is a $9.3 billion business for Kentucky.  It's the state's third largest industry and second leading employer.