COLUMBIA, S.C. – (Wednesday, May 25, 2011) - The Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism is proud to announce that Kim Jamieson has been named their new director of communications.

Jamieson joins the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism from Chernoff Newman, a full-service advertising, public relations, interactive and marketing communications firm headquartered in Columbia, S.C. with offices in both Charleston, S.C. and Orlando, F.L. Beginning her career as an intern in Chernoff Newman's public relations department, Jamieson, later earned a full time position, serving as a public relations specialist and working on a number of initiatives, events and campaigns across the state. Jamieson holds a Masters degree in Mass Communications with a concentration in Integrated Marketing Communications, as well as a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Public Relations; both from the University of South Carolina.

"We are very pleased to welcome Kim to our Famously Hot team," said Ric Luber, president and CEO of the Midlands Authority. "She brings both the skills and a fresh perspective that will blend seamlessly with our efforts to promote the entire Columbia region. With her extensive experience with media relations, public relations and social media, coupled with her educational achievements, we know that Kim will be an outstanding asset to our team."

As director of communications, Jamieson will focus on outreach to travel writers and other out-of-area media to tout the positive attributes of the entire Columbia region. She will also collaborate with local media to communicate the importance of tourism to the growth and development of the Columbia area.

About the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism:
The Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism is a private, not-for-profit corporation funded primarily by revenue generated by visitors through accommodations taxes and is the parent organization of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, and the Columbia Regional Sports Council. The mission of the Midlands Authority is to strengthen the area's economy by marketing and selling Columbia, its accommodations, restaurants, facilities and attractions as a destination for meetings, conventions, tradeshows, special events and leisure travel. For more information, please visit columbiacvb.com.

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