Vicki Wineland has been hired as Gainesville's new tourism and trade manager, the city announced Monday.

For the last 12 years, Wineland worked as marketing director for the Old Clarkesville Mill.

"I know it's been said many times before, but I can't stress enough how attractive Gainesville is as a small city with big city amenities," Wineland said in a news release. "The people are warm, friendly, and gracious and tourists appreciate this."

Wineland also serves as the director of education for the Northeast Georgia Mountains Travel Association, publicity director for the Northeast Georgia Arts Tour, and is on the marketing committee for the Southern Highroads Trail.

"We are very excited to have Ms. Wineland with us and to continue our focus on Gainesville as a destination for leisure and business travel," said Catiel Felts, communications and tourism director for the city.