‘I am still striving’: Checking in with Brenda Newbern of the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau

Brenda Newbern stepped up as executive director of the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau in January, but she's long been a familiar face in Cape Girardeau, and even to the CVB. During the 1990s and early 2000s, she worked at the CVB as a group tour manager. Before her return to the organization, she worked for several years for Midamerica Hotels, where she still had a hand in promoting Cape Girardeau -- a place she calls her "favorite spot."

Newbern also has been active in many community organizations, including the area chambers of commerce, Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation and the United Way, to name a few.

"If you are going to make a difference in your community, you must be involved and give of yourself," she says.

Read on as Newbern discusses her first year in the executive director role, and how she strives for the best in her life.

__Business Today: Start us off with some background about you: Did you grow up and go to school in this area? What did you want to be when you grew up?__

__Brenda Newbern:__ I was born and raised in Cape Girardeau. I graduated from Cape Central and went on to Southeast Missouri State University. I wanted to be a secretary!

__BT: You started at the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau at the beginning of this year, but it wasn't your first time working with the organization. How did you find your way back here?__

__BN:__ When I left the CVB, I went to work in sales in the hotel industry, and I met the person I was replacing at a trade show. We were both selling Cape Girardeau! All of the years I was working for the hotel, I worked closely with the CVB. In any way I was able to support their efforts to attract visitors to Cape Girardeau, I did. Our mission was very similar. The experiences I acquired working in hotel sales are easily transferable to tourism promotion. When this position came available, I knew it was what I wanted to do.

__BT: What do you love about your work and about the tourism industry in general?__

__BN:__ The people! My job is to meet people and help get them to visit Cape Girardeau. (I love) the opportunity to look for the silver lining of everything that is out there. If something seems like a lemon, make lemonade! I'm in a position where you are always trying to find something new or a more effective way to promote and offer Cape Girardeau to travelers. The gratification you get when you take a group on a tour and they compliment your town -- there isn't a more rewarding feeling you get than that. (Also), all of the development and initiatives I get to share with others. These things build our infrastructure and make us a better and more vibrant city for tourists -- who may become residents in some instances. And I get to be a part of that movement and really own it and find joy in the success of others!

__BT: What are your favorite spots in Cape Girardeau?__

__BN:__ That is a hard one because on any given day, my favorite spot may change! But I love the riverfront, the walking trails, the food (any kind on any level), our sports arenas, the theaters and the arts and our parks ... Let me just say Cape is my favorite spot!

Brenda Newbern is executive director of the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau.Fred Lynch

__BT: It's been almost a year that you've been in your new role. What are your top goals for the CVB going forward?__

__BN:__ My top goal for the CVB is to increase the bottom line through print ads, digital media platforms and direct sales by attending expos and showcases that we can draw meetings, conferences, sporting events and individuals to Cape Girardeau. Increasing our hotel and restaurant traffic is one of my primary goals, and the benefit is shared by all other businesses when tourists visit our city for any and all of those types of activities.

__BT: You're also involved in a number of community organizations. Could you tell me about your involvement and why that's so important to you?__

__BN:__ If you are going to make a difference in your community, you must be involved and give of yourself.

__BT: Why is it valuable for businesspeople to be involved in the community? And, why is this good for the community? Do you have any advice for getting started or finding a "niche?"__

__BN:__ If you aren't involved, how you can help improve the community? The business leaders must be involved to stay in front of what is coming. In order for our businesses and community to be on the leading edge of development, you have to be in the room to hear where we need to go. I believe we give to what we love, and if you want things to grow and develop, you put the resources you have behind it.

__BT: Who are your mentors or role models? What have you learned from them?__

__BN:__ My mother and God. I was raised by a strong woman who wasn't afraid of hard work and stood on her values. God has placed so many men and women in my life for me to be mentored by! Some were for a short time, some for a longer season, but each one made such an impact on my life. When I think about the principal who told me never let anyone or anything take your smile! They each know who they are, and one is no more or less important, so to those that will read this, thank you! I am still striving!

__BT: What are your best words of wisdom for other women in business?__

__BN:__ Be true to yourself. Don't take no for an answer. Get up when you fall. Learn from your mistakes and move on. The path is yours; walk it out!