Travel Writers Group
Tuolumne County once again hosted the Spring Conference for the Outdoor Writers Association of California (OWAC, www.owac.org) from April 26 -29. They were last here in 2008 and happily chose our area for their Spring Conference this year.
It’s a non-profit association of media professionals focused on outdoor recreational opportunities and related issues in California and the surrounding western region. The membership includes newspaper and magazine staffers, freelance writers, book authors, radio broadcasters, video producers, editors, photographers, artists, lecturers and information officers.
The group stayed at the Best Western Sonora Oaks and had the opportunity to explore our area on their own as well as have their meeting and a reception at the hotel as well as spend time in Columbia and have a lovely dinner, reception and train ride at Railtown – a first for many of the attendees!
Bob Semerau, President of the Association said:
“Attendees found that the Tuolumne County region is brimming with activities to please any visitor, young or old, and without busting the wallet. Some of the best things in life are free, and Tuolumne County, with the citizens of Sonora and Groveland sharing all they have, gives all freely every day.
Special thanks to each of those involved in making this a beginning of many new “Once in a Lifetime” experiences as OWAC members will return to share in the beauty, the history, and community pride of Tuolumne County, the City of Sonora, Black Oaks Casino, Groveland, Railtown and Yosemite.”
In celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week which took place just a week after the OWA Conference, the Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau surprised OWAC officials by presenting them with a Certificate of Appreciation at their closing night event. The Certificate acknowledged the positive impact OWAC has on Tuolumne County tourism and California tourism through their writing, radio shows, television shows and photography.
We’re already seeing the results in articles, interviews and expect a great residual effect for some time as a result of having the writers here. Their comments should make everyone in the community proud of what we have to offer visitors.
