York County's Altland is Next Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center Executive Director

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 13, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sharon S. Altland of East Berlin, York County, has been named executive director of the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg, Acting Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced today.

Altland, who is currently the vice-president of operations for the Hershey-Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau, will lead the complex as it continues to expand its offerings for conferences, expositions and other facility rentals while also hosting the annual Pennsylvania Farm Show each January. Her position takes effect April 20.

"Sharon has been a valuable asset to the complex for nearly a decade through her work in the Hershey-Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau," said Redding. "Her knowledge of the complex and the fresh perspective she brings to its daily operations are a great asset as we continue to attract nationally-recognized and world-class events, and as we prepare for the 100^th Pennsylvania Farm Show next January."

Altland assumes the role from acting director Heidi Svonavec, who has served in the position following the passing of longtime Farm Show supporter and executive director Senator Michael Waugh in October 2014.

"I want to take this time to thank Heidi for all of her hard work and dedication in her role as acting director," Redding added. "Heidi's knowledge base will be a true asset to Sharon in the coming months." Svonavec will return to her role as assistant director.

As part of the Hershey-Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau, Altland served first as director of sales, where charged with increasing economic activity in the region through additional visitors to the area, she helped secure events for the complex. She was promoted in January 2014 to vice-president of operations and oversees marketing and partnership, public relations, and sales for the operation.

"The complex is a major economic driver for our region, and a close partner with the visitors bureau," said Altland. "I'm privileged to continue this partnership and build on the successes of the complex for the benefit of the region and for all of Pennsylvania. I'm excited to work with the department and the farm show staff to continue promoting the complex and engaging residents at our year-round events."

With three arenas, eight major exhibition halls and additional meeting rooms, banquet facilities and other offices, the Farm Show Complex is the region's largest exposition and convention facility.

For more information on the complex, visit www.pafarmshowcomplex.com or call 717-787-5373.

MEDIA CONTACT: Brandi Hunter-Davenport – 717.787.5085

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

Related Links

http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us

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