WEST BADEN SPRINGS – Joseph Lannan, a Martin County native with extensive experience in community development and nonprofits, has been appointed as the new executive director of Visit French Lick West Baden, Orange County’s convention and visitors bureau.
Lannan, who joined the organization in December, takes leadership of tourism efforts in a county where the industry generates an estimated $59.5 million annual economic impact. The French Lick Resort, the county’s primary attraction, draws approximately one million visitors annually and employs about 1,000 people.
Orange County’s tourism assets include the historic French Lick Resort with its two hotels and casino, Paoli Peaks ski area, Patoka Lake, French Lick Scenic Railway, and various wineries and attractions within the Hoosier National Forest. Lannan reports that local tourism venues are experiencing consistent growth, with events drawing larger yearly crowds.
The CVB, funded by the county innkeeper’s tax, operates under the Tourism Commission. The organization provides visitor information from its office on State Road 56 and runs The Brick Exchange gift shop.
