Stop in at the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau at the right time and you'll see a new face there.

With the departure of Jeanne Sheehan as the CVB director, Holly LaVallie has willingly taken on the challenge of making Austin a tourist "hot spot."

LaVallie, an Owatonna native who

graduated this spring from the University of Wisconsin-Stout with a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management, is by no means new to the Austin CVB. She interned there two summers ago and during her winter vacations from college a few times which made her familiar with the community and the workings of the CVB.

"We were very pleased with the work she did for us that summer and at that time, we began to wonder what she'd do after graduation," Sheehan says.

"Then in between last summer and late last fall, I made my decision to retire. We knew she had an interest, so the board approached her and we were thrilled when she accepted right away."

LaVallie also was thrilled to be offered the position because "I love the community of Austin and I love the tourism industry. It's a very exciting job and it was a wonderful opportunity to be able to step into the director's position."

She credits Sheehan with making the transition an easy one.

"(She) did a wonderful job of making the transition very smooth, though the biggest challenge was probably stepping into the position in the midst of the busiest part of the year," LaVallie says.

Sheehan, however, is confident LaVallie is up to the challenge. "We were very fortunate in that we had six months to transition before I left," Sheehan says. "We had time to help her be prepared and to have me feel like I was leaving in capable hands. And I do. I'm not worrying about things there at all. There's no panic, no issues I felt were left unmanaged or might slip through the cracks."

Sheehan says she also is certain LaVallie will be able to increase Austin's popularity among tourists. "I have no doubts that she'll be able to carry on our mission and take the CVB to the next level which requires traveling and selling to markets further than what we have been reaching in the past five years," Sheehan says.

LaVallie is looking forward to doing just that. "The SPAM Museum has given Austin the opportunity to explore and expand to new markets. We want to continually increase the group tours -- we already have 150 coming this year. We want to work with the hotels to increase the amount of conventions the city will host. We also want to keep taking steps to make Austin bigger and better in the tourism industry's eyes."

She has faith it can happen. "People here are very willing to help make Austin a bigger tourist attraction and we're very, very lucky to have such strong tourism entities here."

Sheehan says though the attractions are important, community support for the CVB is vital for whether or not it succeeds.

"I hope the rest of the community gives her the same help and support they gave me. She's had a really healthy start. She has the right kind of drive, the right kind of personality. I wish her the best."

Amanda L. Rohde can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at :mailto: amanda.rohde@austindailyherald.com