Newton CVB executive director resigns

The executive director of the Newton Convention and Visitors Bureau has resigned.

Beth Steenhoek, board chair of the CVB, made the announcement Wednesday.

“It is with much regret, the Board of Directors of the Newton Convention and Visitors Bureau has accepted the resignation of our executive director, Linda Bacon," Steenhoek said. “Linda has been with the CVB for over nine years and has seen the organization to its success today.”

When Bacon began her time with the CVB, it was a fledgling nonprofit, Steenhoek said, and today it is a successful organization holding a leadership role throughout the community, has increased the hotel/motel tax revenue for the community and opened a beautiful visitor center any community would be delighted to have.

“I am proud to have served as Executive Director of the Newton CVB,” Bacon said. “I have made many friends both personally and professionally since coming to Newton and couldn’t have been successful without all them and the board of directors and community I’ve served. It is from those relationships that an opportunity has presented itself; of which I have been offered and accepted a position with Legacy Travel Group.”

Bacon’s last day with the Newton CVB will be April 22.

Bacon's resignation follows a $40,000 decrease in funding from the City of Newton. The city council cut the CVB's hotel/motel tax funding to $110,000 in February.

The Newton CVB is currently accepting applications for a new executive director. Candidates that are qualified and would like to apply may do so by going to their website at www.visitnewton.com and downloading the job description and application information from their homepage. Applications will be taken through 5 p.m. April 8.