FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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HELENA, MT – Voices of Montana Tourism announces Dax Schieffer as the new director to lead the organization as the united voice for Montana’s tourism stakeholders. Schieffer joins Voices following an 18-year career at Big Sky Resort located in Southwest Montana.
“I’m really excited to work with the Voices tourism partners as we tell the story on the benefits that tourism has for the economy of Montana,” said Schieffer. “My work at Big Sky has shown me first hand on how powerful this industry can be for thousands of Montanans and their families who benefit from a strong tourism industry. I needn’t look any further than my own family who can call Montana home because of the careers that exist in the travel industry.”
Schieffer will take over the organization following Mike Garcia, who successfully brought the organization forward in critical policy discussions and in establishing a wide financial base.
“Voices will continue to evolve and adjust to the changing needs and opportunities as travel in Montana enjoys unprecedented growth,” said Racene Friede, Voices of Montana Tourism Chair. “We are so appreciative of Mike’s efforts to the organization and look forward to Dax’s skills to lead a well-organized group in educating audiences of the immense value that the tourism industry provides.”
Tourism is one of Montana’s leading industries with over 11 million visitors in 2014 and supporting over 38,000 jobs. Total non-resident spending is expected to surpass $4 billion in 2015.
Schieffer had an early start in the hospitality industry growing up in Sidney, Montana and working for a family run restaurant throughout high school. After graduating from Montana State University-Bozeman, he was able to stay in Montana with a job offer at Big Sky Resort in lodging operations. He then was promoted to supervisor in accounting, followed by 10 years serving in marketing as the resort spokesperson and special events manager. For the past five years Dax has served on the executive leadership team as the Director of Human Resources.
Schieffer is involved in the community as Vice Chair of the Friends Board of Montana PBS and serves as the Chair of the MSU Exponent Publications Board. He is a 2009 graduate of Leadership Montana.
“I’m very proud of my family’s connection to the state of Montana and truly believe that the most sustainable industry for economic growth is the opportunity to attract visitors to our great state for vacations,” said Schieffer. “We can all work together as hotels, restaurants, retail, recreation and transportation to really maximize Montana’s amazing resources to its full potential.”
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