Anaheim/Orange County CVB President Charles Ahlers Will Step Down at End of 2012
April 7, 2012
Charles Ahlers has spent 40 years in the convention and visitors bureau business, most recently serving as president at the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau, but he’s now decided to move on at the end of this year.
“I have been fortunate to be able to realize many accomplishments during my four decade career in this industry,” Ahlers said.
He added, “I have worked for five distinct destination marketing organizations, and it seems fitting at this time to finish my visitor industry career on a high note. This Anaheim Resort community and all of Orange County have evolved into a leading leisure and business destination, and I’m very pleased to have played an active role in shaping what it is today.”
Ahlersserved as president of the AOCVCB since 1992, and early in his career, he was a convention sales manager at the AOCVCB from 1972-1979.
In total, he had 28 years of service with the organization.
Ahlers said he had “no plans for what he was doing next” and was going to take some time to decide once he steps down.
He added there were several highlights of the time he’s spent at the AOCVB.
“Anaheim has really grown and developed nicely in the last 10 years,” he added.
Ahlers was at the bureau when a major expansion occurred at the Anaheim Convention Center, giving the center extra space and what he called “nice curb appeal.”
He also was at the helm when two tourist improvement district funds came together for the AOCVB.
In addition, there are even more improvements on tap at the center set to begin in May that will feature the building out of the Grand Plaza in front of the venue.
“This will really enhance our campus environment,” Charles said.
He added there was another 250,000 square expansion to the center also in the works for late 2013.
In all, though, what Ahlers said he would miss most about working at the AOCVB were the people.
“Anaheim is a really unique organization,” he added, “People don’t really leave. … It speaks to the culture the organization has developed over a period of time. It’s kind of like leaving your family after 20 years.”
The AOCVCB will conduct an executive search for Ahlers’ replacement, according to CVB officials.
Ahlers will stay involved in the organization as an advisor and also continue to be instrumental in the current development of the Anaheim Convention Center and the Grand Plaza.
Partner Voices
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