By Susie Petersen, CVB Bulletin Board

The Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors would like to extend a thank you to Rhonda Allison for serving on the board for the past three years and we would like to welcome new board member Kim Nelson.

Kim is the executive director of the Albert Lea Children&8217;s Center. Kim brings her experience from the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau where she served as the marketing director.

At our recent board retreat the Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau presented the board with a report of 2007. The lodging tax revenues increased this past year.

We welcomed and provided many bus groups, camper rallies, private groups, and class reunions with tours. We have increased the distribution of our Visitors Guides, and we are collaborating with the city of Albert Lea, ALEDA and Chamber of Commerce for a billboard this year, which will be located on I-35. Through Web advertising and Web sites, the CVB is receiving more requests for information on our area via the Internet and this will continue to increase.

Congratulations to the Pelican Breeze Foundation on the purchase of the Pelican Breeze II, a 60-foot pontoon river boat which features a paddle wheel and two smoke stacks, and a seating capacity of over 60 passengers! The boat has two flush toilets and sink, a wet bar, three glass bottom viewing ports, tables, enclosed pilot house and can be enclosed which will allow for an extended season!

Here are some February events to attend.

The Lighthouse Event Center presents A Tribute to Hank Williams Sr. on Feb. 2.

ACT Theatre presents &8220;She Loves Me&8221; based on the film &8220;You&8217;ve Got Mail&8221; directed by Glen Parsons continues through Feb. 9.

The Albert Lea Art Center will present a joint show Emily Chesley (paintings) and Ellen Saul (photography) for the month of February.

Albert Lea Civic Music presents &8220;The Scarborough Trio&8221; on Feb. 8 at the Albert Lea High School Auditorium.

The Albert Lea High School will host a Section 1AA Tournament &8220;Dance Team Competition&8221; on Feb. 9.

The Albert Lea Civic Theatre presents a tribute to &8220;The Three Stars&8221; (Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and Big Bopper) on Feb. 23.

The Regional Bantam Tournament will be held at the Albert Lea City Arena on Feb. 29-March 2.

Northbridge Mall will hold the annual Farm Toy & Truck Show on Feb. 2 and 3.

The Big Island Trade Fair will be held on Feb. 9 and 10.

Blue Grass Music is held the first and third Thursdays 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Do you have an event to promote? We provide free welcome bags filled with information for any event, meeting, tournament, festivals, and class reunions promoting Albert Lea and the surrounding communities!

Local businesses are welcome to place a coupon in the bags for visitors which are very much appreciated by the guests.

Information on the many events and festivals in our community, whether you&8217;re looking for our calendar of events, information on attractions or lists of hotels and restaurants, can be accessed by logging on to our Web site at www.albertleatourism.org to find all the latest in local tourism related information.

Stop in at our office in the Northbridge Mall, email cvbdirector@albertlea.org or call us at (507) 373-2316!

Susie Petersen is the executive director of the Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau.