On Tuesday, September 29, 2009 The Gap Analysis Study Results were presented at the Chateau Morrisette Winery, in Meadows of Dan by Congressman Rick Boucher, Steve Swartz, Chairman and the study team.
News report
Blue Ridge Heritage Meeting September 29, 2009
On Tuesday, September 29, 2009 The Gap Analysis Study Results were presented at the Chateau Morrisette Winery, in Meadows of Dan.
Speakers on the program included, Congressman Rich Boucher, Steve Swartz, Chairman, Blue Ridge Heritage, Dr. Nancy McGhee, Associate Professor Virginia Tech, Dr. William Norman, Associate Professor, Clemson University and Dr. John McGhee, Geospatial Extension Specialist, Virginia Tech.
The purpose of this meeting was to publicly report on the results of the Gap Analysis Study conducted by Clemson University and Virginia Tech.
The Overall Goal of Blue Ridge Heritage is to develop a sustainable tourism centerpiece near Rocky Knob on the Blue Ridge Parkway, providing economic stimulus for Patrick and Floyd Counties.
The Gap Analysis Planning Study has just been completed and provides information about what interest tourists to the Rocky Knob are.
The scope of the study included the following:
1. Community asset and resource inventory
2. Community and stakeholder input
3. Survey of current visitors
4. Land use suitability and tourism scenario development
5. Survey of potential visitors
6. Economic impact analysis of recommended scenarios.
The study conducted 312 on site interviews with tourists and used data trackers (GPS units) to determine the places visited while in the area. The study surveyed over 2800 potential visitors from targeted states of VA, NC, Pennsylvania, New York and Florida, and experienced a 29% response rate.
The centerpiece scenario recommendations included several alternatives, but high on the priority list was “Mountain Life� or “Farm Life� Center and Nature Trail. This would combine a visitor center with adjacent new trails, with self-guided travel routes that wander through both counties, and serve both visitors and local residents.
The goals would include:
1. Heritage-based and nature based educational experience
2. Local food products, from orchards and farms
3. Mountain history and folklore
4. Organic farming
5. Sustainable living
6. Local artistry and crafts
7. Agricultural and farming, agri-tourism trail network, highlighting local vegetables, produce and other farm products, engaging local participation.
8. On site demonstrations
9. Restaurant with “slow foods�
10. Exploration opportunities using GPS navigation and kiosk system
11. Education on the local environment.
The economic impact analysis, would demonstrate measurable benefits, including direct dollar impact to the economy providing local jobs, indirect business taxes, such as sales, excise and other taxes, value added-secondary impact with a multiplier effect and encouraging longer stays by tourists, extending the economic impact and number of jobs.
Depending on the options chosen, the total project cost would range from $12 million - $25 million.
Funding would be sought from the following possible sources:
1. Appalachian Regional Commission
2. USDA Rural Development
3. Tobacco Indemnification Commission and
4. Community Development grants from Commonwealth of Virginia
The results of this study will be made available to:
1. Public libraries
2. County administrative offices
3. Chambers of Commerce offices
4. Economic Development offices
5. Future web site, www.brheritage.org
Blue Ridge Heritage will hold its annual meeting on Oct. 24, at 10:00 a. m. at the PH Community College, Community Room in Stuart, VA. The public is invited to attend this meeting and local residents are encouraged to become a member of the Blue Ridge Heritage organization.
Reported by Tom Bishop
