This is a report on the Tourism Advisory Council meeting on Monday, June 22 at the Patrick County Administrative offices in Stuart, VA.
News report
Patrick County Tourism Advisory Committee, June 22, 2009
The Tourism Advisory Committee met on June 22 and elected new officers. They are as follows:
Chairman, Brooks Bradbury of Primland Resort, Meadows of Dan
Vice Chairman, Mary Jo Leet, local music performer, Patrick Springs
Secretary, Leslie Shelor, local artisan, Greenberry House of Meadows of Dan
Treasurer, Jeannie Puckett, operator of Doe Run Farm, Ararat
Past Chairperson, Charlotte Gardner of Bull Mountain Arts, gave a report on the accomplishments over the last 24 months. They are:
1. Completion of the Strategic Plan
2. Completion of the Hospitality Book
3. Completion of the design of the Patrick County Artisan network and trail brochure
4. Issuance of the 3-County Map pad, to assist Tourists
5. Bringing back into focus the Mayo River Trial and the Jack’s Creek Covered Bridge project
Charlotte Gardner, reported the Patrick County Artisan Trail map and brochure will represent 37 members of Round The Mountain Artisan’s Network. This brochure will go to print around June 30 and 10,000 copies will be printed. Patrick County Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Round The Mountain and local artisans on this project.
Tom Rose, Assistant County Administrator reported on the plans for the Angel Overlook, which will be located on Squirrel’s Spur Road between Ararat and Meadows of Dan. There will be an information kiosk, with calendar of events and a map, to assist travelers on that very scenic road.
Tom Rose also reported on the progress of the Mayo River Trail starting in downtown Stuart. The project is ready to go forward with bidding and “phase build� starting with the most visible section on Commerce Street. Project money is now available.
Tom Bishop, Executive Director of the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce, gave a report on the work done by the Chamber for Tourism which includes the following:
• Distributing Patrick County brochures outside the County
• Major Improvements to the Chamber web site with new Area Attractions being added
• Providing a Tourism information exhibit table at various festivals, such as the Covered Bridge Festival in Woolwine
• Distributing Tourist information signs to local businesses
• Hiring a new Summer Intern to help the Visitor Centers during June, July and August
