Visit Concord CEO's Goal To Open Visitor Center Becomes Reality

CONCORD, CA — With the Concord Visitor Center set to open in April in Todos Santos Plaza, the person who envisioned it has been named CEO and president of Visit Concord, the organization that will operate the official welcome facility for the city. Elaine Schroth, who joined Visit Concord — the Concord Tourism Improvement District Agency — as executive director in 2017, was appointed by the Visit Concord executive board to the newly created position of CEO and president.

"Elaine has had tremendous impact in putting Concord on the map as a vibrant travel, meeting and event destination since her arrival three years ago," Board Chairman Billy Mendez said in a news release. "Starting out as a staff of one, she has since cultivated a well-rounded, creative team with expertise in destination marketing, communications, public relations, sales and outreach."

Schroth credited the board for the organization's growth and for making the new Visitor Center happen in record time.

"I’m so excited for everyone to see it, I know it will make Concord proud," Schroth said. "

The board is comprised of exceptionally smart, perceptive business and community leaders and their unequivocal support has been the driving force behind the success of Visit Concord, as well as this great new resource for our community,” she said.

The grand opening of the Concord Visitor Center is scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at 2151 Salvio Street, Suite T, in Salvio Pacheco Square.

The event is open to the public, as is a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for 11 a.m. Thursday, April 16.

According to the news release, Visit Concord has partnered with organizations including Concord Historical Society, Concord Art Association, Save Mt. Diablo and East Bay Regional Park District to ensure the new Visitor Center will be the most complete and accessible resource for local information.

The Visitor Center will feature an interactive information kiosk plus a variety of music and art displays, historical photos, meeting space, attraction brochures, local artisan goods, Concord merchandise and more.

Visit Concord's aim this year is to expand on Concord’s awareness and commitment to “Travelability,” an industry-wide initiative dedicated to improving travel experiences for individuals with physical, visual, auditory and cognitive disabilities.

The organization also plans to introduce the Certified Tourism Ambassador program, a ground-breaking, industry-recognized training and certification program for front-line workers and volunteers.

Visit Concord Executive Board

• Chairman: Billy Mendez, Senior VP Operations, Brighton Management (Concord Hilton)
• Co-Chairman and Secretary: Kirk Smith, Director Marketing & Sales, Six Flags
• Treasurer: Chris Mellini, General Manager, Interstate Hotels (Crowne Plaza)
• Member: John Montagh, Economic Development Manager, City of Concord

Visit Concord Staff

• Elaine Schroth – CEO and President
• Tracy Rogers – Marketing & Communication Manager
• Shelbi Walker – Outreach & Sales Specialist
• Carly Leggitt – PR and Events Specialist
• Caroline Cabral – Visitor Center Coordinator

Check out Visitconcordca.com for more info on the organization and the new Visitor Center.