Charleston to Host Marine Corps League National Convention and EANGUS Conference

The Charleston West Virginia Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) and Mayor Danny Jones announced today that Charleston, W.Va., has been chosen to host the 2014 National Marine Corps convention, as well as the 2017 Enlisted Association of National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) conference. Combined, both meetings will have more than $3.1 million in economic impact on the city.

Mayor Danny Jones, CVB staff members Alisa Bailey and Todd Morris, and Medal of Honor recipient Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams, presented the winning bid to the Marine Corps League in August. Members of the organization voted more than 800-to-30 in favor of Charleston during its national meeting.

“The CVB and a local planning committee have worked for years on acquiring this particular bid,” said Alisa Bailey. “Securing this piece of business is a testament to the hard work and dedication from our team and local supporters.”

The MCL National Convention is projected to have a more than $1.7 million economic impact and at least 1,000 participants.

Also in August, Mayor Jones and CVB staff Samantha Carney and Rekko Patton pitched the city during the 41st annual conference of the Enlisted Association of National Guard of the United States.

Nearly 1,800 participants are expected to attend in 2017, and as a result have a $1.4 million economic impact on the city. The annual convention was held in Charleston in 2011 and broke the organization’s record for attendance with more than 1,700 participants.

“Mayor Danny Jones is the number one salesperson for the city,” said Bailey. “His willingness to personally participate in our sales pitches to these organizations has helped us reap $3 million in economic activity for Charleston.”