A retirement and farewell reception was held Thursday afternoon for Cheryl Cook, who is retiring as the executive director of the Christian County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.
After serving the community for 21 years, Cook told the News Edge her most memorable moments are the friends she has made and the construction of the new Visitors and Tourism building on Pembroke Road.
She says after she retires June 30, her plan is to travel and be a tourist.
During the reception, Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism President/CEO Hank Phillips said Cook is one of the top tourism professionals in the state. He also explained how important tourism is in the Commonwealth and in Christian County. He then presented Cook and Oak Grove Tourism Executive Director Traci Cunningham an award.
He noted the 2017 Solar Eclipse brought in a lot of people and a lot of money, but the economic impact of tourism was already huge in Christian County in previous years.
Following Phillips remarks and presentation, Hopkinsville Mayor Carter Hendricks read and presented a special proclamation proclaiming June 28, 2018, as Cheryl Cook Day.
In addition, the Christian County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau board of directors presented Cook a plaque recognizing her service.
Brooke Jung, who was the City’s Eclipse Coordinator last year, was hired in May as the new executive director. She tells the News Edge she is excited to be in the position and she wants to continue to help grow the tourism industry in the community.
Jung steps into her new position July 1st.
