As Director of Marketing and Communications for Visit York County, Michelle Manning-Osborn is using creativity, strategy, and data to strengthen how York County is promoted to visitors and experienced by the people who call it home. Her ability to turn ideas into engaging campaigns and community initiatives has made her a valuable voice in shaping the story of York County.

In her role with Visit York County, Michelle has helped advance a more data-driven approach to tourism marketing by implementing new technology designed to better understand engagement and demonstrate impact. Among those tools is Bandwango, a platform supporting initiatives such as the York County Coffee Trail and YoCo Brew Trail by encouraging residents and visitors to explore local businesses throughout the county.

The results have been impressive. Within the first three months of launching the Coffee Trail, the program reached 1,000 sign-ups, demonstrating both community interest and the potential for creative tourism initiatives to generate meaningful engagement with local businesses. Michelle also implemented a Website Impact Calculator, providing Visit York County with another tool to measure the value of its marketing efforts and strengthen community understanding of tourism's economic impact.

Her work extends beyond traditional destination marketing. Michelle is also involved with the Make It York County initiative, helping support community activations, events, and advocacy efforts that showcase what makes York County a great place to visit, live, and do business.

Outside of her full-time role, Michelle consistently brings her marketing expertise to organizations and initiatives across the community. She serves on the Main Street York Steering Committee, supporting efforts to bring the Main Street America program to downtown York, and serves on the South Carolina Nature-Based Tourism Board, where she manages the organization's social media presence.

Michelle also gives her time and talents to some of York County's most recognizable community celebrations. As a 2026 Come-See-Me Festival Team Leader, she serves on the Marketing Committee and manages social media for the festival. She is also a 2026 ChristmasVille Team Leader, helping organize and lead the Whimsical Character Breakfast.

As York County and communities across South Carolina commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary, Michelle is once again helping tell the community's story. Through the York County SC250 Marketing Committee, she contributes to the initiative's website, promotional materials, advertising, and overall awareness efforts.

Across each of these roles, Michelle has developed a reputation for being someone who is willing to step up when creativity, strategy, and execution are needed. Her understanding of modern communications, paired with her professionalism and collaborative approach, allows her to contribute far beyond the responsibilities of her day-to-day role.

Whether she is developing a tourism campaign, finding new ways to measure impact, or supporting a local festival, Michelle approaches her work with creativity and purpose. Her ability to connect marketing strategy with community impact reflects exactly why she is one of York County's Ones to Watch.