The Moffat County Tourism Association Board called a special meeting Tuesday to discuss the resignation of its director, Michelle Balleck.

Balleck, who has worked for MCTA since January, turned in a letter of resignation to Moffat County on Monday.

The board had a brief discussion about whether to hire someone to fill the position, and it was decided that with busy times ahead for Moffat County, the director position was an important one.

“We’ve had busier times before, and the board has pulled together and done what was needed,” board chairman Melody Villard said. “But we want to have someone whose main goal is to tie everything together. We have a lot of work ahead of us. We want someone whose job is to focus on what we want to accomplish, instead of (the board) just doing what we can, when we can.”

Board member Frank Moe agreed, emphasizing that a slow economy is the appropriate time to be aggressive with advertising vacation opportunities in Moffat County.

“When we’re up against other cities, counties and entities, we have so much work to do to compete,” he said. “When times are slow, that’s when you’re aggressive with marketing.”

Board member Patt Mc­­Caffrey said the position was vital to keeping Moffat County at the top of people’s minds when they think of taking a weekend trip or a vacation on a budget.

“We’re missing an opportunity if we don’t have someone in there constantly reminding people how important it is to come to Northwest Colorado,” she said.

The board filled out a personnel requisition form to put before the Moffat County Commission on Dec. 8, along with plans to start advertising the position the day after. Balleck said the decision to resign came when an “exciting” job opportunity opened up.

Starting Jan. 4, Balleck will be the online content producer for the Craig Daily Press.

“It’s a really exciting time for the Daily Press and for the community,” she said. “Everyone is really being proactive with having a Web presence.”

Daily Press publisher Bryce Jacobson confirmed that Balleck will start work at The Print Shop on Dec. 7 and begin working for the newspaper in the new year.

He said the newspaper industry is changing as more and more people are accessing news and content through a variety of new media.

“We’re excited to expand our staff and have someone focus the majority of their time and effort producing and sharing news and information about Craig and Moffat County on multiple platforms,” Jacobson said.

As for MCTA, Balleck said the board will continue on as it has.

“They have a good board in place and a good plan,” she said.

She said her advice for the next MCTA director would be to go into the job with an open mind.

“I would say be energetic, and be a strong leader for the board,” she said.

Nicole Inglis can be reached at 875-1793, or ninglis@craigdailypress.com.