Funeral Services Announced For Corey D. Bizzell

DCVB made the sad announcement earlier this week that Corey D. Bizzell, DCVB’s Vice President of Sales and Business Development passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Funeral services have been announced for Monday, March 2, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. at Bethel Family Center located at 515 Dowd St, Durham, NC.

Credit: MPI and The Meeting Professional

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A 13-year veteran of the Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau, Corey was 38 years old. In his role, Corey had risen to be one of the most recognized people in his field, even gracing the cover of The Meeting Professional, a leading publication in the meeting and convention arena.

During his tenure at DCVB, Bizzell, a Durham native, saw great success in inviting groups to bring their meetings and conventions to Durham. Those who knew Corey were well aware that he was, without question, always on the ball, always in touch, always thinking, and always planning the next move.

“A loss like this is just devastating,” said Shelly Green, President & CEO of DCVB.  “Corey had many friends here and throughout the country. We are all taking this hard,” Green added.

To honor him, DCVB is establishing a scholarship in his name for students pursuing careers in hospitality. Details on that will be forthcoming, but for those interested in making an immediate donation, in lieu of flowers, as Corey’s family prefers, please donate to the Hopes for Haircuts Foundation, where Corey was serving as the CFO.

DCVB will also post here a list of nearby hotels with special rates later this afternoon for those traveling from out of town to attend the services.

“We miss him terribly, and we thank you for your good thoughts as we process this loss,” said Green.

DCVB's Bizzell Makes the Cover

A lot goes into the decision of where a group will hold their annual meeting or convention. When a site is picked you can be sure that someone from that community worked hard behind the scenes to make it happen.

Credit: MPI and The Meeting Professional
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Fortunately for Durham, a very experienced professional is at the helm of that process, and he continues to garner attention for his sales skill and success.  In fact, the cover of the December 2013 issue of The Meeting Professional magazine bears a sharply-dressed man; none other than Corey D. Bizzell, the Vice President of Group Sales & Business Development for DCVB.

In a statement, Bizzell addresses the role he plays in creating demand for Durham’s economy, and the role Meeting Professionals International (MPI) has played for him. "I am humbled by this exposure. My 10 years in MPI have afforded opportunities for education, career building, and networking that have been instrumental in my career success thus far. Sharing some of what I have learned in the article on essential job skills by an organization that has helped me evolve as a professional was truly a 360 degree experience. I use these skills to bring people to Durham for business, and I know they come back for leisure visits, too," Bizzell said.

The Meeting Professional, an international publication with a readership of 75,000 recognizes Bizzell’s efforts in helping Durham become the celebrated place it is today. The cover story features tips from Bizzell on the essential skills necessary to thrive in the meeting and convention industry, as well as insights on what drives success in that field. Bizzell will continue to use those skills for Durham’s benefit, filling hotel rooms and meeting space all over Durham.

Learn more about bringing group meetings and conventions to Durham online.

Corey D. Bizzell Recognized by Meeting Professionals International Carolinas Chapter as 2011 Supplier of the Year and for Long-Term Industry Impact

Meeting Professionals International Carolinas Chapter (MPI-CC) recently announced Corey Bizzell, Director of Group Sales and Services at DCVB, was named Supplier of the Year by his peers at the MPICC annual awards banquet. He was lauded for his outstanding achievements and exemplary service to the hospitality industry not only during the course of the year but throughout his service to the chapter.

 
A 17-year Hospitality Industry veteran, Bizzell has held positions as both a supplier and planner.  Coupling skills used while planning meetings for clients and back of the house knowledge gained while working in lodging facilities Bizzell has been able to provide the highest quality of service to Groups and Conventions during his nine year tenure at the Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau (DCVB).  Karen Knox, CMP of Blue Cross Blue Shield, NC says of Bizzell, “Always accessible and responsive, Corey conducts himself with poise, professionalism and confidence, and doesn’t hesitate to raise his hand to assist in any way possible.”

Shelly Green, President and CEO of the DCVB, has supervised Bizzell for 8 years.  “Corey cares deeply about the clients he works with on behalf of our community.  I’ve heard him say many times, his job isn’t to sell someone on Durham.  His job is to understand what his clients need for a successful meeting.  Sometimes Durham is the answer to those needs; other times, it is not.  If not, he tells them so, knowing that the relationship is always more important than the sale.”

Bizzell has served MPI-CC in a variety of different volunteer leadership positions including in the past including chair and director positions.  MPI-CC is dedicated to the professional and personal growth of its members and the meeting industry through education, networking, and communications and is part of a larger organization of over 23,000 members.

DCVB is Durham’s official marketing agency and works through various channels to enhance both business and leisure visitation, sustain place-based assets and support the local economy.  Durham is within an hour flight or a day’s drive for more than half the US population and can accommodate more than 85% of the meetings held in the US annually.