Butler County official to lead state tourism association

Mark Hecquet, executive director of the Butler County Visitors Bureau, was named president of the Ohio Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus during the association’s board meeting held Thursday in Columbus.

Hecquet has 13 years of tourism related experience, according to an announcement from the Butler County bureau.

As president of the state group, Hecquet will be responsible for spearheading new association initiatives, planning for the association’s future, ensuring effective association-wide communication, and representing the association at public events and before public bodies, according to an announcement.

“I am honored and humbled that my fellow OACVB members have selected me to lead our association,” Hecquet said in a written statement. “I look forward to continuing the legacy of success that the OACVB has achieved and to drive new initiatives to further the importance of our industry.”

The Ohio Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus promotes tourism in the state through cooperative marketing, industry education, legislative awareness, trend identification and professional development.

The Butler County Visitors Bureau was established in 2007.