CARLISLE, PA ( October 19, 2009) - The Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau (CVVB) emailed a survey to 300 Cumberland County stakeholders, ranging in age, geographic location and business sector, to understand the area from the perspective of those who are most involved in the well-being and future of Cumberland Valley.

The survey has been designed to allow the community to share their perception of Cumberland Valley and understand what makes the area a dynamic destination to visit for business and pleasure. Participation in this segment of the branding process will allow them to feel ownership in the final marketing brand.

This is the first important component North Star Destination Strategies of Nashville Tennessee has planned to make Cumberland Valley a household name. The survey is completely confidential and questions are in an open-ended format varying from where you would take visitors, what consumer product brand does the area most resemble and how you would describe Cumberland Valley if it were a person.

Surveys must be completed by October 23rd and the data gathered will pinpoint where the region should target its marketing efforts for this year and beyond. If you are interested in filling out a survey email Kristen Oakley at kristen@visitcumberlandvalley.com.

North Star Destination Strategies will be visiting the Cumberland Valley area November 4th-6th. Once here, they will conduct one-on-one interviews and focus groups consisting of stakeholders from the hospitality industry, retail business community, attractions, education and state parks. Representatives from North Star Destination Strategies will also be taking a familiarization tour of the area to gain a better understanding of what the Cumberland Valley has to offer.

The results of the branding study will be available to the public in the latter part of the first quarter.