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Issue – #52: Winter 2010
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Trouble Viewing
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Thank You
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From the President's Desk
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Tourism Makes an Impact
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Welcome New Members
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Member News
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Marketing Minute
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CVB Calendar
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Featured Events
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Thank You
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As most of you are aware, I have stepped down as the Executive Director of the Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau. Thirteen years is a long time, and the time feels right for me to pursue other areas of interest.
I just wanted to tell all the individuals and organizations that have supported the Bureau during my tenure how much I have appreciated that support. Together, we have grown the tourism industry in the Roanoke Valley to new levels of dollars and jobs - with the resulting growth in our tourism "product."
I also want to thank the Bureau staff and volunteers. There is not a finer, more dedicated team anywhere! I count myself extremely fortunate in having had the opportunity to work with them! The Valley is extremely fortunate to have this experienced, talented, professional group of individuals during these trying economic times. They will continue to make a positive impact on the Valley community and beyond.
Again, thank you for your support. It has been my privilege and pleasure to be a part of this industry.
Dave Kjolhede |
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Susan E. Short, Ph.D. - Virginia Tech Roanoke Center
Greetings to all - I hope you are enjoying the wintertime beauty of the Roanoke Valley and the wonderful outdoor and indoor opportunities the region provides to residents and visitors. There is just something about the sights and sounds of winter - crispness in the air, snow highlighting the peaks of our Blue Ridge Mountains, and greenways and trails eager for footprints in newly fallen snow. Take time to get outside and enjoy this magnificent season.
As you are aware, our RVCVB Executive Director, Dave Kjolhede, retired on December 31, 2009 after almost thirteen years of outstanding leadership and dedication to the Bureau. The Board of Directors for the Roanoke Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau announced the appointment of Landon Howard as the executive director beginning February 1, 2010. I believe Landon possesses and has clearly demonstrated the talent and experience we sought in our future leader for the Bureau. He is a collaborator and a dynamic, creative leader and the RVCVB Board looks forward to working alongside of him as we continue to grow our convention and tourism industry in the Roanoke region. Since 2001, Landon has served as the Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau and former Director of Marketing and Communications for the Chattanooga Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. He holds a bachelors degree in public administration and a master's degree in business administration from the University of Tennessee. Prior to Howard's arrival, Catherine Fox, RVCVB Tourism Director, will serve as Interim Executive Director. Catherine is an exemplary ambassador for the region and I am most grateful for her willingness to serve in this interim capacity.
2010 promises to be filled with new opportunities for the region. In addition to Landon Howard's arrival, I remain excited about our outdoor recreation opportunities as well as congratulate Roanoke County for the successful completion and opening of the new Green Ridge Recreation Center. These facilities will assist us in expanding the region's involvement with various sporting events and organizations including the Amateur Athletic Union and National Association of Sports Commissions.
Our fiscal climate continues to be challenging for the tourism industry and hopefully the New Year will bring positive changes to the economy. The value and quality of our tourism product combined with our natural beauty and citizen hospitality will continue to make the Roanoke Valley a viable and desirable destination for diverse audiences. I remain confident that with the leadership provided by the RVCVB Board of Directors, the contributions by the committed, outstanding staff of the RVCVB, and expertise provided by our industry partners and stakeholders, tourism dollars will continue to grow in the Valley. Enjoy the beauty of the season and best wishes for an outstanding New Year.
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Occupancy Tax # Numbers for July, August and September 2008 and 2009
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| 2008
| 2009
| Change | % Change
| City of Roanoke
| $ 769,176
| $ 704,174
| - $ 65,002
| - 8.45 %
| | County of Roanoke | $ 245,356
| $ 205,006 | - $ 40,350
| - 16.44 %
| | City of Salem | $ 227,916
| $ 240,467
| $ 12,207
| 5.50 %
| County of Botetourt
| $ 90,801
| $ 67,594
| - $ 23,207
| - 25.55 %
| County of Franklin
Total Tax Revenue | $ 58,001
$1,391,250
| $ 55,983
$1,273,224
| - $ 2,018
- $ 118,026
| - 3.47 %
- 8.48 %
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Source - Local Governments
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The Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau welcomes our newest members:
- 419 West
- Bent Mountain Lodge Bed & Breakfast
- Budget Car Rental
- Pomegranate Restaurant and Gathering Place
- Roanoke Gas Company
- Sponsor Hounds
- United Country - Atlantic Coast Auction & Realty Group
For information or questions regarding membership with the Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau,
please contact Heidi Mowry at (540) 342-6025, ext. 116. Click here to learn more about our membership benefits. |
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Dave Kjolhede, Kelly Burd-Adams, Carey Harveycutter and John Shaner attended the TEAMS Conference, in a joint marketing effort with the Virginia Tourism Corporation and Convention Bureaus within the Commonwealth. The Sports Committee is in the process of reviewing 15 different sporting events to host over the next several years.
The Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses has chosen to continue to meet within the Roanoke Valley, July 1-4, 2010. The convention will attract 6,000 attendees from multiple states and will generate an estimated 3.6 million in Direct Spending.
Kelly Burd-Adams is working with several planners that have tentatively scheduled a site visit to gain first-hand knowledge of our meeting and lodging facilities. Kelly is continuing to contact prospects from several trade shows as well as target the North Carolina corporate community.
Vickie Meeks Miller will attend the Religious Conference Management Association's Annual Convention January 26-29, 2010 in Fort Worth, Texas.
Catherine Fox, Tourism Director, will be attending the American Bus Association, North Carolina Motorcoach Association and Tennessee Motorcoach Association Annual Meetings and Marketplaces. These meetings provide several on-on-one appointments with tour planners. She will also be conducting the Blue Ridge Parkway Association's quarterly board meeting in Cherokee, NC as president of the organization. Catherine also plans to attend the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance quarterly meeting as well.
Dates to Remember - February 1 - Landon Howard takes over as Executive Director of the Roanoke Valley CVB March 30 - Shenandoah Valley Travel Association Annual Meeting - Salem Civic Center April 20 - Hospitality Training Workshop Location - Comfort Suites Ridgewood Farms Time 8:30am - noon OR 1:00pm - 4:30pm Cost: $15.00 CVB members and $20.00 non-members Click Here for a registration form Visitor Information Center Volunteer Appreciation
Our annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon was held in early December at The Roanoker Restaurant. The volunteers were recognized for the incredible number of hours they contributed greeting visitors at the information desk. We thank them all for the nearly 1,900 hours they provided our Center this year!
Front Row, L to R: Pat Heaton, Ann Andrews, Arleen Goble, Molly Putnam;Second Row, L to R: Jane Cunningham, Marion Rogers, Dot Piedmont, Marlene Efkeman, Jack Newcomb, Manette Newcomb;Third Row, L to R: Hugh Brown, Carlton Saul, Lee Pollard, Marvin Pollard; Back Row, David Kjolhede |
VTC Help Desk
The Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) staff met one-on-one with over 85 local and regional tourism businesses to assist them in developing their business and marketing plans. These businesses included dining, lodging, retail, outdoor, event and attractions from Roanoke and surrounding areas. Businesses took advantage of VTC's education, development and marketing services and discussed best practices in reaching travelers, the media and increasing tourism visitation and spending.
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2010 Roanoke Valley Visitor's Guide
The Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau is excited to announce the release of the new 2010 Roanoke Valley Visitor's Guide. The Guide is the primary fulfillment piece for our $300,000 national advertising campaign. In addition, the 200,000 copies are also distributed to all State Welcome and Visitor Centers, AAA, travel agencies, consumer shows, convention and sporting events and area hotels and attractions. In addition to the Guide, a cutting-edge, interactive e-Guide featuring page turning technology - will be available on the Roanoke Valley CVB website which accumulates 170,000 unique client sessions per year. All members received a FREE listing in the Guide and advertisers received hot links from the e-Guide. For additional information regarding this Guide or advertising in the 2011 Visitor's Guide, contact Debora Wright at 342-6025, ext. 121.
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| Convention Calendar January-March 2010 | | Date | Conventions/Expos/Shows | Venue | | JANUARY |
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| | 1-3 | Roanoke Valley Gun Show | RCC SEC | | 8-10 | The Greater Roanoke Home & Garden Show | RCC SEC | | 22-23 | Roanoke Regional Writers Conference | Hollins University | | 23-24 | Salem Gun & Knife Traders Show | SCC | | 23-24 | Star City Cat Show | Holiday Inn Roanoke-Valley View | | FEBRUARY |
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| | 12-14 | The Log Home Show | RCC SEC | | 21 | Roanoke Valley Bridal Showcase | SCC | | 26-28 | SWVA Boat Show | RCC | | MARCH |
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| | 5-7 | MDA Charity Car Show | RCC | | 19-20 | VPA/AP News Conference & Annual Meeting | THR&CC | | 19-21 | Roanoke Valley Gun Show | RCC SEC | | 26-28 | Better Living Expo - The Home Show | SCC |
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| | Date | Sporting Events | Venue | | JANUARY |
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| | 8-10 | Kroger-Valleydale Championship Stampede Rodeo | SCC | | 15 | Hollins University vs. Bridgewater Women's Basketball | Hollins University | | 15-16 | Monster Truck Winter Nationals | SCC | | 15-16 | Virginia Tech vs. Louisville Hockey | RCC | | 16 | Hollins University vs. Gallaudet & Salem Swim Meet | Hollins University | | 22 | Virginia Tech vs. Clemson Hockey | RCC | | 23 | Guns & Hoses VII Benefit Hockey Game | RCC | | 23 | Virginia Tech vs. Temple Hockey | RCC | | 25 | Hollins University vs. Averett Women's Basketball | Hollins University | | 27 | Hollins University vs. Bennett Women's Basketball | Hollins University | | 30 | Hollins University vs. College of Notre Dame/Maryland Swim Meet | Hollins University | | 30 | Hollins University vs. Roanoke Women's Basketball | Hollins University | | FEBRUARY |
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| | 5-6 | Advance Auto Parts USHRA Monster Jam | RCC | | 6 | Salem Kiwanis Presents Member One FCU Valley Shootout | SCC | | 14 | Cheertech Cheerleading Competition | RCC | | 19-20 | VHSL Group A & AA State Wrestling Championship Tournament | SCC | | 25-28 | ODAC Men's & Women's Basketball Tournament | SCC | | MARCH |
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| | 4 | Harlem Globetrotters' 2010 "Magical Memories" World Tour | RCC | | 13-14 | Shamrock Festival Volleyball Tournament | RCC, SCC & Valleywide | | 19-20 | NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Championship | SCC | | 19-20 | PBR Professional Bull Riding Event | RCC | | 20-21 | Dance Machine Productions Dance Competition | RCC | | 28 | NASCAR Goody's Fast Pain Relief 500 | Martinsville Speedway | RCC: Roanoke Civic Center
SCC: Salem Civic Center
THR&CC: The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center
SEC: Special Events Center at the Roanoke Civic Center
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2010 Cabin Fever Series - Sure to warm your soul and cure your winter blues!
January 22, February 19 and March 26, April 16: Location: Roanoke Civic Center
http://www.cabinfeverseries.org/ or call 853-5483
Roanoke Symphony Orchestra presents Sounds of Life Masterworks 3
January 25: Location - Roanoke Civic Center Performing Arts Theatre
Touring past and present from Mozart to Gershwin plus Liebermann's clarinet concerto with Jon Manasse.
www.rso.com or (540) 343-9127
Kroger/Valleydale Kid's Winter Carnival
January 29- 31: Location: Salem Civic Center
An indoor venue full of fun and exciting games and rides. Admission is Free. Purchase tickets for rides
www.salemciviccenter.com or (540) 375-3004
Tons of Fun
February 6: Location: Tanglewood Mall
A fantastic day of free fun for children featuring life-size chess, balloon sculptures, face painting, clowns, inflatable fun, rides and games.
http://www.roanokecountyva.gov/Departments/ParksRecreationAndTourism/SpecialEvents/TonsOfFun.htm or (540) 387-6455
Roanoke's St. Patrick's Day Celebration
March 13: Location - Downtown Roanoke
Featuring a parade and Celtic festival. Break out the green and bring the entire family. Rain or shine the parade starts 11:00am.
www.eventzone.org or (540) 342-2640
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