Visit Sarasota County (VSC) has promoted Amanda Walker to Meeting Sales Manager. The promotion within VSC’s sales department will allow the tourism bureau to better identify, attract and entertain conferences, meetings and groups, resulting in extended stays, large bookings, and an upsurge in first-time visitors to the area. Hired as the Leisure Group Sales Manager in 2018, Walker secured accommodations and community activities for the social, military, educational, religious and fraternal (SMERF) groups market as well as for weddings and travel agents, contributing to more than $11 million dollars in Economic Impact to the area. Prior to VSC, Walker was employed with The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota Sales department. Walker was recently has been appointed to the Emerge Board of Directors. The mission of Emerge is to provide connections, opportunities and a platform for young, professional minorities who have a passion for their community and careers. Walker has extensive knowledge of the area and is passionate about sharing it with these groups.