Salt Lake CVB Awards Dianne Nelson Binger Scholarship To Gina Wehling

SALT LAKE CITY (March 22, 2010) - The Salt Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau (SLCVB) recognized Gina Wehling as recipient of the fourth annual Dianne Nelson Binger Scholarship at its Annual Meeting held March 18. The scholarship honors the SLCVB's former President and CEO, and her legacy to the Salt Lake hospitality community. Wehling studies in the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department with an emphasis on Therapeutic Recreation. Wehling received her Associate degree at Prairie State in Chicago Heights, Illinois, before transferring to the University of Utah.

The SLCVB's Dianne Nelson Binger Scholarship is bestowed annually to a female student at the University of Utah in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism of the College of Health. The scholarship honors Binger's example of a strong female professional in the hospitality industry, her mentoring of other women and the SLCVB's desire to remember her in a meaningful way. Dianne Binger served the Bureau and Salt Lake for 18 years, becoming President and CEO in 2001. A great leader and mentor, Binger sadly lost her long battle with cancer in March 2005.

"The passing of Dianne shook the Bureau and the entire Salt Lake community to its core," said Scott Beck, Bureau President and CEO. "She paved the way for travel professionals and women in the industry, and I'm sure Dianne would applaud the selection of Gina for the scholarship in her name, particularly if she were able to see what Gina has overcome and her 'pay it forward' attitude," he continued.

Funding for this scholarship is a part of the SLCVB's Annual Meeting each year, with a goal of a $50,000 endowment that will fund the scholarship in perpetuity. Individuals or corporations interested in contributing to this fund can call the University of Utah Development Office at 801-585-3205.

The Salt Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau is a private, non-profit corporation responsible for the promotion of Salt Lake as a convention and travel destination. The SLCVB's mission is to improve the area economy by attracting and providing support to conventions, leisure travelers and visitors. Salt Lake is a unique fusion of metropolitan city and quaint mountain town; the towering Wasatch Mountains that embrace Salt Lake offer a dramatic backdrop to the vibrancy and activities of downtown. For more information on all that Salt Lake has to offer, go to www.VisitSaltLake.com.

- www.VisitSaltLake.com -

Photo caption (photo attached): Gina Wehling, recipient of the Salt Lake CVB's Dianne Nelson Binger Scholarship (center), with Beth Belt, Executive Director-Dianne Nelson Binger Scholarship program (left) and Salt Lake CVB President & CEO Scott Beck (right) during the SLCVB's recent Annual Meeting.