FRANKFORT, KY (November 29, 2004) State tourism employees are giving the Commonwealth more than a job well done.  Every staff member of the Department of Tourism has pledged a donation to the 2004 Kentucky Employees Charitable Campaign (KECC).

            “At the beginning of this campaign our agency set two goals, reaching 100 percent participation and increasing our giving by 20 percent,” said Fiveash.  “We exceeded both goals and we’re pleased to donate to charities that enable communities to better help those in need.”

            The Kentucky Department of Tourism raised $8,925 for the 2004 campaign, $3,234 over the goal.  The agency had 100 percent participation plus one from all Tourism staff members including the agency’s eight Welcome Centers located throughout the state.  The agency’s participation is 100 percent plus one because of a donation from an interim staff member.  In 2003, the agency raised $4,743 for KECC. 

            All Welcome Centers now get to pick a top Commerce Cabinet executive staff member to work a day at their center, as a reward for reaching their goal in participation.  Fiveash has already kicked off the reward program by spending a day at the Williamsburg Welcome Center located in Williamsburg on November 3. Commerce Cabinet Deputy Secretary Derrick Ramsey was the second executive member to work a day.  Ramsey spent a day at the Whitehaven Welcome Center in Paducah on November 9.  The other Welcome Centers are in the process of picking which executive member they want to work with for a day.

            The money raised during the campaign will be applied to the charity’s funds for 2005.  All state employees are given the option to donate by giving a one-time or debited from their checking account biweekly beginning in January 2005.

            KECC is made up of six charities with federations located inside the Commonwealth.  Charities are selected by the Personnel Cabinet and undergo thorough examination and meet strict guidelines.  Participating charities include:  Christian Appalachian Project, Community Health Charities, Easter Seals Kentucky, Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky, United Ways in Kentucky and The WHAS Crusade for Children.  Those who donate select which charity they want the donations to be applied to.

“I am extremely proud of our employees for contributing to charities across the Commonwealth and for meeting the challenges set before them,” said Fiveash.

 “Our agency has accomplished a great deal in the past year.  Achieving these goals is another example of what teamwork can do,” said Fiveash.   “We have many caring and dedicated people in our department and I look forward to the many things we will achieve together in the new year.”

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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.