On Aug. 3 2016, the Certified Destination Management Executive designation was awarded to John Groh, the president of the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau in Illinois. Groh received his CDME recognition at the Destination Marketing Association International 2016 Annual Convention in Minneapolis. As well, Groh was elected to the Destination & Travel Foundation Board of Directors Executive Committee for one year. This committee pushes industry leaders and experts, in their respective fields, to find new strategies in the wake of a growing business environment.

The CDME designation is an executive program that focuses on educating its members. The focus of the CDME program is to assist senior destination marketing and management organization executive and managers in a changing and competitive industry and help DMO leaders become more effective leaders. In addition, the program refines and ensures continued learning for all members.