Amie Poladian, the new executive director of the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Commission, is beginning her tenure by focusing on listening to residents and identifying ways to promote the parish’s culture, events, and attractions through collaboration and storytelling.
“My top priority is to get to know the people of Webster Parish and listen to your stories,” Poladian said. “Before we can invite others to experience what makes this place special, I want to understand what you love most about it.”
Poladian said she has spent her first few months meeting with local leaders, business owners, and residents to learn what is working, what challenges exist, and how tourism efforts can better serve local communities. She added that she hopes to tell Webster Parish’s story in a way that is “real and true” to its people, encouraging visitors to stay and support local businesses.
Among her initial efforts is working with supporting organizations to revise the parish-wide event calendar to make it easier for residents and visitors to learn about happenings in all communities. She also plans to expand the parish’s digital presence, sharing more local stories through photos, videos, and social media while strengthening the parish’s tourism website.
“I believe that every event and every trail, every plate of home-cooked food and every smile from a neighbor is part of what makes people feel welcome here,” she said.
Poladian named the people of Webster Parish as its biggest tourism strength. She also cited the parish’s lakes and bayous, locally owned downtown businesses, and signature events like Bites & Beats in Minden, the Springhill Farmers Market, and the Scottish Tartan Festival as standout attractions.
During her previous work with the Springhill Main Street Program, the downtown district earned recognition for revitalization efforts. Poladian attributed that success to partnerships among volunteers, businesses, and city leaders.
“We celebrated small wins, and those wins added up,” she said.
Collaboration remains a key focus for her work as tourism director. She said she plans to meet regularly with mayors, Main Street directors, chambers of commerce, and event organizers to understand community-specific needs and determine how Visit Webster Parish can help achieve local goals.
“I want tourism to be a tool that helps our residents and local businesses thrive,” she said.
Poladian said she sees opportunities to expand events centered on outdoor recreation, music, arts, and food. These events, she said, can highlight local talent and draw visitors from around the region while encouraging spending at local businesses.
She also emphasized the importance of historic preservation as both a community asset and a tourism tool.
“Our historic buildings and sites are part of what makes Webster Parish feel authentic,” she said. “Preserving these places also supports local businesses and strengthens community pride.”
Poladian encouraged residents and businesses to get involved by attending and organizing events, sharing photos and experiences on social media, and submitting events to the parish’s online calendar at visitwebster.net.
“You are the heart of what makes Webster Parish special,” she said. “Together, we can show people why we are Webster Proud and why Webster Parish is a place worth visiting — and worth coming back to.”
