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Johnson resigns from visitor's bureau

By Bethany Fuller | Statesville R&L

Published: November 16, 2009

The Statesville Convention & Visitors Bureau is temporarily without a permanent, in-house employee.

Visitor Center Specialist Sherry Johnson resigned this past week for financial reasons after working for the SCVB for more than a year.

Johnson supervised the Visitors Center on Broad Street and had handled the day-to-day tasks for SCVB since former Executive Director Libba Barrineau left in August.

Johnson accepted a pay cut and reduction of hours in March after a drop in overnight stays in area hotels shrunk occupancy tax collections and the SCVB's budget. She made just under $17,000 per year.

Hotel occupancy taxes are divided up between the city of Statesville, the SCVB and the Statesville Civic Center.

Johnson said she wants to see the tourism market in Statesville grow, but said her compensation, when compared to the job's requirements, led her to decide she couldn't remain in the post.

Because of the SCVB's tight budget for the year, Johnson said she understands the constraints the board is operating under and that it has some difficult decisions to make about the SCVB's future.

"I wish them the best," Johnson said. "I'm excited about what they can do."

SCVB Chairman Andy Briggs said the bureau will put someone temporarily in Johnson's position. The search for Barrineau's replacement is ongoing.

When Johnson returned to Statesville several years ago, she wanted to find a niche where she could use her graphic and Web design skills.

"She was very capable," said Greta Lint, who is serving as SCVB interim project leader. "She was a good promoter of Statesville. I wish her the best of luck finding something that utilizes her artistic and organizational skills."

Lint said Johnson took care of a lot of the administrative responsibilities, such as processing checks. Around 90 percent of Johnson's time since September was spent lining up vendors and other tasks for Crossroads Pumpkin Fest, Lint said.