Angela Allen, Director of the Granville County Tourism Authority, graduated in May from the Rural Economic Development Institute (REDI), an intensive, three-month training program designed for rural community leaders. This year’s class participants included elected officials, economic development professionals, healthcare professionals and civic leaders. Allen has also been elected to the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Travel Industry Association, nominated to represent the Destination Marketing Association of North Carolina. The election took place in May at the organization’s Board meeting during the annual North Carolina Travel Industry Association (NCTIA) Tourism Day in Raleigh. A recent recipient of the ‘Rising Star’ Award, which recognizes a North Carolina Bureau or staff member who has worked a total of three years or less and has made a significant impact to destination marketing in the state, Allen plans to continue gaining leadership and tourism skills at the upcoming Southeast Tourism Society’s Marketing College in June. She will attend this training through a full scholarship provided by Miles Partnership.