The Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau (GRCVB) announced today that Luke Chaffin of Rome, Ga. has been promoted to sales coordinator. Debbie Galloway of Rome, Ga. has also joined the bureau as a new sales coordinator.

The mission of the GRCVB is to strengthen the economic fabric of the community through tourism development. The organization is funded solely by hotel / motel tax (6%) generated in Rome and Floyd County.

Chaffin and Galloway are responsible for recruiting new groups, conferences, conventions, and motorcoach groups to the Rome area. Chaffin will focus on religious groups and motorcoaches, while Galloway will work with meeting and convention planners.

"The two new sales positions will better leverage our group recruitment abilities over the coming year as we have growth and expansion in the hotel sector," said Lisa Smith, GRCVB executive director.

Chaffin has been at the GRCVB since August 2011 initially serving as a customer service representative and most recently as special projects coordinator. He came to the GRCVB after working as assistant manager of the Georgia Highlands College Cartersville Campus Bookstore. He also previously worked as a promotions and production assistant for Salem Communications in Atlanta, owner of 104.7—The Fish and several other Atlanta-based radio stations.

Chaffin is originally from the Winston community in Douglas County, but relocated to Rome in 2009. Chaffin holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Georgia State University, and a Certificate of Hospitality Administration from the Robinson College of Business. Chaffin is a member of Rome First United Methodist Church, serves on the board of directors for the Rome Area Heritage Foundation and also sits on the Downtown Development Authority promotions committee. He volunteers for the Free Clinic of Rome and Cancer Navigators.

Galloway is a Rome native and graduate of Model High School and Shorter University. She has worked at many locations throughout Rome including Rome First United Methodist Church, Chieftains Museum, Darlington School, and Traditions of Rome. Additionally, she was an owning partner of Twice is Nice Children's Consignment Clothing.

Throughout the years, Galloway has assisted the GRCVB on a volunteer basis as a community tour guide. She also has volunteered with the Chieftains Museum, local schools, Junior Service League of Rome, and the Rome Symphony Guild. She is a member of Rome First United Methodist Church. Galloway is married to Tim and has two children, Katie and Jon.

"The tourism office is excited about the recent changes and we look forward to a bright future and our potential success with our expanded team," said Lisa Smith.