The new "Portraits of Passion" series is the heart of the Virginia is for Lovers - Live Passionately marketing campaign. The true stories of Virginians passionate about history, music, wine, outdoor adventure and life bring new excitement to the Virginia is for Lovers slogan and position the state as an enriching travel destination.

"These portraits capture the essence of the Virginia travel experience," stated Alisa Bailey, President and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation. "These are real people who are so engaging that you want to know more about them instantly. Their personal stories connect with visitors on an emotional level and offer a glimpse into what makes Virginia such a rewarding destination."

Seven Virginians posed for photographer Keith Lanpher to be transformed into "portraits" that will appear in print advertising in national and regional publications. 

Eighteen Virginians, including Mark Woods from the Historic Roanoke Farmers' Market, were photographed by Cameron Davidson for the pages of the 2009 Virginia Travel Guide, debuting in December of this year. Davidson's award-winning photography solidified the Virginia Travel Guide as the best in the nation for 2008.

Virginia is for Lovers is the official tourism slogan of the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Launched in 1969, Virginia is for Lovers is one of the most recognized and beloved tourism slogans in the world.  At its core, Virginia is for Lovers represents a love of life and a passion for travel.

Kelly Burd-Adams attended the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Annual Conference in August. ASAE's educational conference and trade show attracts State and National Associations. We are currently speaking with various associations that expressed interest in meeting in the Roanoke Valley.

Vickie Meeks Miller attended the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International's (HSMAI) National Affordable Meetings Conference & Exposition, in partnership with the Virginia Tourism Corporation, held September 9-11, 2008 at the Washington D.C. Convention Center.

Ms. Miller has been selected to be a member of the 2008 - 2009 class of Leadership Roanoke Valley. On September 11-12, 2008 at the W.E. Skelton 4-H Educational Conference Center at Smith Mountain Lake, Ms. Miller attended a retreat to kick off the extensive 10-month leadership program offered by the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Sports

The Roanoke Valley serviced five national sporting events and the Coventry Commonwealth Games this past summer and welcomed over 20,000 athletes and family members. These events brought an estimated $4.9 million of direct spending into our community.

Carey Harveycutter, Director of Civic Facilities for the City of Salem, John Shaner, Director of City of Salem Parks & Recreation Department, and Kelly Burd-Adams will participate in a joint marketing program with Virginia Tourism Corporation and will attend TEAMS (Travel, Events and Management in Sports) Conference & Expo, October 22-24, 2008. TEAMS attracts sporting event organizers and suppliers.

The Roanoke Valley CVB has submitted a bid to host the AAU Girls' Basketball (14U) National Championship DI in 2011, 2013 and 2015 and DII in 2010, 2012, and 2014.  Carey Harveycutter has agreed to be the Tournament Director for all events. Carey served in the same capacity in 2005 and 2007 and will again serve as Tournament Director in 2009.  The AAU Girls' Basketball Committee will vote on site selection during the Annual Conference October 27-30, 2008. Carey and Dave Kjolhede will be attending the Conference.

The Roanoke Valley CVB and the area Parks & Recreation Departments have submitted a bid to host the NSA Girls Fast Pitch World Series in July 2011. John Shaner will meet with NSA in November 2008. 

The American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) is holding a National Showcase scheduled for October 2-4, 2008.  The Roanoke Civic Center will welcome schools from across the country including: University of Cincinnati, University of California-San Diego, Penn State University - Altoona and Behrend, University of South Florida, Hofstra University, Lawrence Technological University, Radford University, Christopher Newport University, Northern Virginia Community College, University of Richmond and Lansing Community College. Tickets are on sale at the Roanoke Civic Center - call 540-853-5483 or online at Tickets.com.

Tourism Marketing The Roanoke Valley CVB hosted 24 staff members with the Virginia Tourism Corporation representing area Welcome Centers' electronic, marketing, tourism education and visitor services departments.  They visited many of our area attractions and got the scoop on what's happening to lure visitors to our region.

Virginia Tourism Staff toured the Valley to increase their product knowledge

Catherine Fox, Tourism Director, represented the Roanoke Valley at South Carolina Motorcoach and Virginia Motorcoach Annual Meeting Marketplaces.  She met with over 40 tour planners and will follow up with a sales packet.  Fox plans to attend the National Tour Association Show in November.  The 2009 Roanoke Valley Group Tour Manual will be printed next month and used to encourage tour operators to develop itineraries to the region.  The RVCVB web site will also be enhanced with this information. North Carolina Motorcoach Association (NCMA) and the RVCVB are making plans for the 2009 Annual Marketplace in Roanoke.  The NCMA Board of Directors visited the area for a glimpse of what to expect Feb. 15 - 18, 2009. Parkway Kick off Celebration The public launch of the 75th anniversary celebration will take place just off Parkway Milepost 115 at 10 a.m. on Friday morning, October 10, 2008. The Blue Ridge Parkway 75, Inc. will deliver a media event at Back Creek Overlook on the Roanoke River Parkway to announce key components of the anniversary celebration. Contact Penny Lloyd to RSVP. plloyd@roanokecountyva.gov or (540) 772-2104.

North Carolina tour operators visit the Roanoke Star and Overlook.

Don't miss your opportunity to advertise in the 2009 Roanoke Valley Visitor's Guide. With a circulation of 200,000, the 2009 edition will provide unprecedented levels of exposure for the Valley, its attractions and its hospitality industry.

The Visitor's Guide will be distributed as the main response piece to all leisure inquiries (100,000 inquiries) as well as distributed through State Welcome and Visitor Centers, brochure distribution services, consumer shows, and at registration tables for key conventions and sporting events. 

In addition, the Bureau will now provide an E-Guide on the CVB's web site - www.visitroanokeva.com.  The E-Guide will allow visitors to review the Visitor's Guide online and have direct links to participants.  In addition, this format allows the Bureau to e-mail this Guide directly to the visitor.  This method will provide expedient and cost effective results.   This web site received over 6.8 million hits last year with 170,000 client sessions.

The tourism industry now generates nearly $1.7 million per day in spending in the Roanoke Valley.  The Visitor's Guide is a crucial component in increasing the economic growth of the region and obtaining your share of the tourism dollars.  Ultimately, this Guide is the tool to drive traffic to our area and your business!

Deadline for sales is October 10, 2008. Contact Jim Stallard at Stallard Studios for rates and to reserve your space today!  (276) 228-7092  *  jim@stallardstudios.com 

RED Card Program - FREE Membership Opportunity!

Join over 60 members participating in the RED (Regional Entertainment Discount) Card marketing program.  As a member of the Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau, this is a FREE opportunity! 

The RED Card is highlighted in ads, the Visitor's Guide and the CVB web site.  In addition, it is displayed at information tables for Conventions and Sports.   To measure the effectiveness, the CVB conducted a conversion study.  It indicated that 57% of the people receiving the RED Card actually traveled to the Roanoke Valley.  This is a 22% higher response than our average 35% visitation.  This leads us to believe that the RED Card provides added value to the traveler.

Simply supply a discount for your business.  The RED Card will be attached to a brochure listing your discount as well as be listed on the Roanoke Valley CVB web site.  This year there is a BONUS!  As a participant, a symbol for the RED Card will appear beside your listing highlighting that you are a RED Card participant.  

If you are currently participating, we still need to you sign up again for this time frame.    We ask that you honor this discount from January 2009 through December 2009.  Please note visitors cannot use the Roanoke Valley RED Card in conjunction with other discounts or offers.  Discounts are subject to availability and blackout dates.

The deadline to be included is October 10, 2008.  Please contact Debora Wright for more information on this exciting program. (540) 342-6025, ext. 121.

Fall scenes from around the region.