About Us

Learn about the Murray Convention and Visitors Bureau

In 1979, Murray's City Council created the Murray Tourism Commission. The office did not become full-time until the late 1990s. In 2007, the name of the organization was changed to the Murray Convention & Visitors Bureau to reflect the vision of the organization. The mission of the Convention and Visitors Bureau is to increase overnight stays in Murray through tourism and events, such as conferences and sporting events. For the visitors, we provide materials before arrival and during their stay, in addition to helping them plan activities and find appropriate accommodations. 

The CVB also works closely with other community organizations to increase the economic impact in Murray and Calloway County. A convention & visitors bureau does not organize meetings, festivals or conventions. Our goal is to guide meeting planners, festival hosts and visitors to the attractions and services that will create a positive experience in Murray. We assist groups with meeting preparations before and during their meetings, assisting in securing accommodations and providing suggestions on the best use of services. 

The Murray CVB is a quasi-governmental entity, authorized by the Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS 91A.350) and established by the City of Murray. By state statute, hotels collect a four percent transient tax from guests.  That revenue goes to the Murray CVB for operations and marketing of the city of Murray.  Our budget currently averages $290,000 a year. In addition to marketing the city of Murray, the CVB staff plan and execute Freedom Fest, Murray's Fourth of July celebration. Citywide Yard Sale, a fundraiser for Freedom Fest, is also organized by the CVB. The Visitors Center is located downtown at 206 South 4th Street. Visitors and locals alike are welcome to visit the Bureau to find the most up-to-date information on community happenings and to browse the wide array of brochures available.

 
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Erin Carrico,
Executive Director 

Originally from Paducah, Kentucky, Erin graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Strategic Communications. In 2009, she obtained a Master of Science in Organizational Communications from Murray State University. She served as President for the Kentucky Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus in 2021. In 2017, she earned the Tourism Marketing Professional Certification from STS Marketing College. Erin has been executive director since June 2009, and was event coordinator for the CVB for two years previously. In her free time, Erin can usually be found at the Farmers Market or buried in a book.

Email Erin

 
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Kayla Speis,
Director of Marketing and Communications

Raised in Paducah, Kentucky, Kayla graduated from Murray State University in May of 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations. In 2021, she earned the Travel Marketing Professional Certification from Southeast Tourism Society’s Marketing College program. She has been the Director of Marketing and Communications since April of 2018 and was the CVB Public Relations Intern for two years prior. On the weekends Kayla can be found hiking in LBL and playing with her Aussie, Rico.

Email Kayla

Board of Directors

The Murray CVB Board meetings are the last Wednesday of the month, at 9:30 a.m at the Murray CVB.

  • Priyesh Nathu, President

  • Brock Rydecki, Secretary

  • Rich Lake, Vice President

  • Lacosta Bean Hays

  • Darren Yates, Treasurer

  • Tonya Wetherington

  • Leslie Pologruto

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