Norma Acord-Combs
Marketing and Creative Education Manager at Tamarack: The Best of West Virginia
We could have been lawyers. We could have been dentists. We could have been accountants. But no, we decided to pursue careers in tourism. In our Dream Jobs series, we interview some of the best and brightest within the tourism industry about how they broke in and get their advice to the next generation of tourism leaders.
Today, we feature Norma Acord-Combs, Marketing and Creative Education Manager at Tamarack: The Best of West Virginia.
What’s your job title?
Marketing and Creative Education Manager – I am responsible for all advertising and marketing as well as developing educational opportunities (classes, demonstrations, etc).
How long have you been at your job?
Just about 5 years
What's your favorite thing about your job?
It really is something new everyday! Tamarack is the perfect mix of West Virginia, food, art, culture, music and tourism. Tamarack is the gem of our state and I am lucky to help showcase how talented and creative West Virginians are. Being able to spread that message to our visitors is so rewarding!
What's your advice to young people looking to break in to tourism?
The tourism industry is HUGE but if you can find those interesting niches, get involved! It is also important to find the parts of the industry that you are truly passionate about – it makes work 10x more fun!
First job?
I worked as a Energy Express mentor – focusing on teaching reading, writing and math to elementary school students.
Worst job?
Ohh! I worked at a Gas Station along the interstate on the weekends while in college. It was a overnight (11pm – 7am) shift. Wild things happened after midnight around there – I met some real INTERESTING people!
If you didn’t work in tourism, what industry would you want to work in?
I’m a Potter by trade and an amateur Baker – I would love to combine the two! Pottery and Cookies go hand-in-hand!
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