Seattle Southside Announces Mike Miller of Rainforest Cafe as the 2011 Tourism Ambassador

SEATTLE (April 4, 2011)– Seattle Southside Visitor Services, the official tourism department for the cities of Tukwila, SeaTac, Kent and Des Moines, announces Mike Miller, General Manager of the Tukwila Rainforest Café, as the 2011 Seattle Southside Tourism Ambassador.

“Mike has been a strong advocate of our organization since it was created nearly ten years ago,” said Katherine Kertzman, Director of Seattle Southside Visitor Services. “He is dedicated to his community and is a strong supporter of tourism. He understands that travel spending is crucial to local economic development. The tourism industry in King County employs 49,000 people, generates total direct visitor spending of $5.5 billion and generates $440 million in state and local tax revenue (Dean Runyan Associates).”

Miller has been with the Rainforest Café since 1998 and has more than 30 years experience in the restaurant industry. He has been a member of the Tukwila Lodging Tax Advisory Committee since it was created and regularly participates in Seattle Southside programs including the Tukwila Centennial, Rock ‘n’ Roll Seattle Marathon, Rockstar Pass and Shop Like a Rockstar. In addition, Miller has received numerous acknowledgements for his contribution to supporting the local community including the Rainforest Prestige Award, Loyalty Award and the Hospitality Business of the Year Award.

The Tourism Ambassador program was developed as part of the Why Tourism Matters campaign created by the Seattle’s Convention and Visitors Bureau and Washington State Destination Marketing Organization Association.

About Seattle Southside Visitor Service

Seattle Southside Visitor Services (SSVS) is the leading tourism and marketing organization in South King County. The program offered jointly by the Cities of Tukwila, SeaTac, Kent and Des Moines, is responsible for competitively marketing the area as an ideal travel destination for tourists who wish to explore Western Washington. For more information, please visit www.seattlesouthside.com.  

MEDIA CONTACTS:        
Ashley Comar
Marketing Communications Coordinator
Direct:  206-575-0627 / Main: 206-575-2489
Email: Ashley@seattlesouthside.com