YOUNGSTOWN — Today is Linda Macala’s last day as the executive director of the Mahoning County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. She is retiring after 17 years.

Her retirement was announced at Thursday’s county commissioners meeting at the courthouse.

“There have been so many monumental changes in the tourism industry in Mahoning County since 2007,” Macala said. “We’ve had eight new hotels built since that time, plus the beautiful destination of the Sebring Mansion Inn and Spa. Our bed-tax receipts the last two years have been record setting.

“COVID-19 just devastated the hospitality industry. But coming out of it, we’ve recouped so nicely,” Macala said.

She said the bed tax revenues were up about 14% in 2022. And last year was “truly record-setting at at over 22%,” she said.

Bed taxes are charged by operators of hotels, motels, rooming houses and other facilities providing lodging accommodations for transient guests.

Of the 5% bed tax in Mahoning County, 70% goes to pay operating expenses of the Western Reserve Port Authority, and 30% is used to fund the convention and visitor’s bureau, Macala said.

“The tourism industry is alive and well and very strong in Mahoning County,” Macala said.

“It’s been a great opportunity, and I’ve met a lot of wonderful people that are truly dedicated to helping our visitors have the best experience possible.”

Commissioner David Ditzler said Macala has done “an amazing job for the county and the Valley.”

He said the bed tax funds not only pay to operate the convention and visitor’s bureau but also the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport and the port authority’s economic development arm.

Ditzler said the bureau has spurred a lot of economic growth by bringing organizations to the county through activities such as wrestling, golf and other things.

Macala will be separated from the county’s employment for two months, but she will again be available to assist the bureau, as needed, for at least one year as the organization transitions into new leadership.

Commissioner Anthony Traficanti said Macala “worked tirelessly” with hotel operators during COVID-19 when there was much lower travel. And bed tax revenues climbed significantly over the years, he said, as a result of activities such as wrestling and baseball.

Macala said the commissioners will make an announcement later regarding who will take over as the new executive director.