I AM TOURISM

From all the success stories in tourism, you hear one common theme: to succeed in this business, you need a good, strong work ethic. For Sherrie Spinks, she found her motivation early in life. From competing with her brother for lawn care customers in their neighborhood to making donuts at a bakery at 15, Spinks knew that working hard would be her key to success.

As General Manager at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center, she has her secret to success firmly grounded in one principle.

“What I have learned: work ethic is KEY,” said Spinks. “Do your job better than anyone asks or expects and you will shine. Opportunities will be given to you.”

After attending the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia, Spinks was recruited by a global leader in trade show management, Nth Degree. For ten years, she worked there until she moved over to the Georgia World Congress Center Authority, where she has worked, most recently, as the Chief Financial Officer.

In 2014, she was picked to lead Savannah’s convention center when management was turned over to the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. When she made Savannah her new home, she kept looking for new ways to do her job better than anyone asks or expects, raising the number of trade shows, meetings and other events that come to the building.

Spinks is grateful to work in tourism in Savannah, where the people make all the difference.

“The BEST part of the industry is the people. Whether it is the many people working in the industry or the attendees and customers you interact with--the people are special,” said Spinks.