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Message from Our Executive Director
Greetings…
I am delighted to send you the first installment the Halifax County Convention & Visitor Bureau’s newsletter! We hope to send this to you on a regular basis to keep you up to date on the exciting things happening in the tourism industry in our area. It seems that new tourism-related businesses are opening often, and old friends are expanding, so we want to keep you informed.
The photo below is a great shot of a group of folks that really are the life blood of the tourism industry in Halifax County. This photo was taken at a recent lunch with our area hotel managers. These are the hardest working folks I know, and they are also a lot of fun.
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| Shown here (l-r) are Debbie Rhodes, Holiday Inn Express; Kevin Boudreaux, Hilton Garden Inn; Percilla West, Hampton Inn; Julie Brown, Hilton Garden Inn; Terry Webb, Days Inn; Brenda Carroll, Sleep Inn/Quality Inn; Captoria Simpson, Jameson Inn; Donova Chavis, Hilton Garden Inn; Lori Medlin, Halifax County CVB; and Erica Gary, Comfort Suites. |
We will also, use the newsletter to keep you informed on the health of the tourism industry locally and state wide.
But before I jump into that, I wonder if you all know exactly what our organization is…We are a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), and we Mean Business! Business for Halifax County that is! Communities across North Carolina and across the United Sates have Destination Marketing Organizations.
DMOs mean business because they lead the way for travelers, both business and leisure, to find our area. Travelers are overwhelmed with options. From where to host a meeting, have a family reunion, spend a long weekend or just where to stop along the way to their destination. DMOs provide services for groups and information for visitors planning trips. The Halifax County CVB goes the extra mile by actively pursuing new tourism-related businesses and recruiting groups/meetings to our area. We attend trade shows, host travel writers and generate stories about our area to run in print and on the web. We work to sustain and grow the tourism industry in Halifax County.
Before you ask, let me remind you that no local tax dollars are used for this effort. We are solely funded by the occupancy tax that visitors pay and by the grants we receive. I am very proud of that fact.
“So, how are we doing?” you ask. Well, we are pleased to announce that revenues in 2008 grew by 2.7%, and tourism spending exceeded $70 million. The occupancy tax generated in Halifax County in 2008 was $557,790. So for every $1.00 invested by the CVB approximately $125.00 in tourism spending was generated. I’ll take that return on investment any day…how about you?
So, let us know what you think and if you would like not to receive this newsletter just reply back, and we will remove you from our list.
Wishing us all a busy summer travel season…
Lori
Another Successful Tourism Day at the I-95N Welcome Center - Thursday, May 14
The staff of the I-95 North Welcome Center held a fantastic Tourism Day celebration on Thursday, May 14, as part of the national Tourism Week.
The Halifax County CVB hosted a tent with displays and information on a wide variety of area attractions, dining options and hotels. We had representatives from Chick-fil-A, Holiday Inn Express, Ventosa Plantation Vineyard, Days Inn, First for Freedom, Riverside Mill, Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park, Medoc Mountain State Park, Roanoke Canal Museum & Trail, Cici's Pizza, RV Resort at Carolina Crossroads, Hampton Inn, Atlantic One Amphitheatre, WEZU, Roanoke Rapids Hydro Power Race, Roanoke Rapids Theatre, Jameson Inn, Starbucks, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn and Timeless Tea.
The Halifax County CVB also gave visitors samples of Brunswick Stew cooked on-site by Peggy Jo & Randy Braswell of Southern Heritage 'Que & Stew. We would like to day a special thank you to all who participated this year!
Halifax County CVB Launches Campaign Targeting Meeting Planners
The Halifax County CVB recently launched a campaign targeting meeting planners within a 90-mile radius of Halifax County, inviting them to take advantage of our prime location, affordable and quality accommodations and unique meeting venues.
The campaign began with a direct mail postcard. The CVB has designed a meeting planning kit, including a full-color folder, county-wide profile sheet and individualized meeting spec sheet on each venue, as a fulfillment piece.
To see the entire kit, visit www.visithalifax.com and click on groups.
Sylvan Heights Breaks Ground on Phase II
On Friday, March 2, Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park in Scotland Neck hosted board members, friends, staff, volunteers and Matilda the Goose, as well as state-wide representatives for economic development, tourism, and government, to break ground on their Phase II development.
Phase II includes new bathrooms that will actually feature educational exhibits inside, a bird interactive exhibit and feeding station, duck blind for less intrusive waterfowl viewing, and a handicapped accessible tree house overlooking the wetlands, the first of its kind in North Carolina. The anticipated grand opening will be sometime in July 2009.
For more information, visit www.shwpark.com.
Weldon's Riverside Mill to Hold Grand Opening Celebration - June 6, 2009
The Riverside Mill’s “Grand Opening Celebration!” is Saturday, June 6th from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
The day starts with a Country Music Jamboree hosted by Kim Turpening from WEZU. Over 50 Classic Cars will line up in the first Riverside Classic Cruise-In Car Show.
Just after Noon, Rev. John Green from WSMV will host a gospel concert. There are free antiques appraisals, craft demonstrations, activities for the kids and plenty of food and fun. All events are free and open to the public.
For additional information, visit www.riversidemill.net.
Nearly 100 Racers Swim, Bike & Run for a Successful 2nd Annual Tri Roanoke Valley
Race Review from www.deltatriathlon.com by Aneis Andreoli
 I did this race with, and on the recommendation of, some friends ... it was not on my original plan but figured it would not hurt and would be fun. I was right!!! This was the 2nd year they did this race, and the idea is to bring the level of support and meaningfulness of an IRONMAN to a small race.
And folks, I kid you not, they pulled it off. For such a young race it was extremely organized and very well laid out. The course was just challenging enough, and there was support everywhere you might need it. The coolest thing they did was set up bleachers along the "shoot" and held up an IM like finish line for EACH athlete to break thru!! Another nice touch was that every finisher got a medal to wear and their picture taken in front of a "Finisher" backdrop.
Pre Race: The packet pick up was in a gym, and the set up was so similar, I felt like I was back in Lake Placid, NY hanging out with my IM friends as they picked up their packets. By the way, the race is still fairly small right now so there was no line for the INDOOR bathroom :o)
The Swim: 300 yards in a 6 lane pool. Which meant up and back in the same lane before crossing over. I was skeptical at first but it went off without a hitch.
The Bike: 14.8 mile out and back. Some rolling hills but nothing too major. The biggest issue was 1) dealing with the chilly weather- it was about 48 degrees when we emerged from the aquatic center, and 2) the wind- the entire ride out, was into the wind. But of course, that means the entire ride back in, was GREAT!!
The Run: 3.1 mile loop through a nice neighborhood. This is where the hills really came into play. They were short, steep-ish, and plentiful. It made it fun but, for me, it made it difficult to find a good rhythm. There were two water/Gatorade stops on the course, if I had to guess they were at mile 1.5 and 2.5. There was one last hill right before you ran the last .1 of a mile (flat) to and through the shoot.
Post Race: There were medals, pictures, oranges, bananas, bagels, cookies and the list goes on! There were also funnel cakes, but they weren't free ;o) For the award ceremony they had an actual 3rd/1st/2nd place podium for the athletes to stand on, and a picture was take of each group. By noon, the day OF the race, I had an email in my inbox that detailed my entire day- where I placed and how I paced, etc... I was VERY impressed with this!!
All in all this was a really fun race to do. I did this race report because I want to help get the word out ... this is a great race to start the year off with. If you can, spend the night and plan a nice long ride the next day over in the lake Gaston area.... it is absolutely gorgeous up there!!
Happy Racing!
Aneis Andreoli
For more information about the Tri Roanoke Valley, visit www.triroanokevalley.com.
Halifax County Hosts Group Tour Leaders from New Jersey & Pennsylvania
.jpg) Halifax County is the grand finale for group tours.
In February we were the final stop after a whirlwind FAM (familiarization) tour of North Carolina's Northeast region. Our visitors enjoyed Historic Halifax, Ralph's Barbecue, Historic Weldon & Riverside Mill, as well as King Street Deli.
 On March 22, Halifax County was once again the ending point for 20 group tour leaders with Lowee's Tours of Pennsylvania. This tour group raved over Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park and their personal guided tour by our own Brent Lubbock (and, of course, Matilda the Goose).
Upon arrival in Historic Halifax, the group was greeted in a revolutionary fashion by General Allen Jones of the First for Freedom outdoor drama, First for Freedom Director Jim Singleton, Revolutionary Re-enactor Hank Brown, and Christopher Dudley, keeper of Dudley's Tavern, and also representing First for Freedom.
They ended their tour with a drive-through view of River Falls Park in Weldon to see the rapids and the numerous fishermen crowding the banks, followed by a hearty Eastern NC barbecue lunch at Ralph's.
We hope these groups will return to Halifax County again very soon.
Halifax County CVB Hosted ESPN/BASS
Southern Divisional Tournament on Lake Gaston March 30-April 3
The tournament officially began with a team dinner at The Centre at Halifax Community College on Tuesday, March 31, but the teams had already been on the water learning the ropes.More than 98 fishermen from Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Florida & South Africa participated in this event with Chuck Murray of Franklin County, NC, bringing home top prize.
Meet Our HCCVB Chairperson Percilla West
 Percilla West has been the General Manager of the Hampton Inn in Roanoke Rapids, NC for the past 12 years. She has been in the hospitality industry for 21 years, spending 20 of those with First Carolina Management.
Originally from Hollister, West graduated from Warren County High School and attended the Global Academy in Atlanta, GA where she was trained in Hospitality Management.
The Hampton Inn property was renovated and re-opened in May 2008. Percilla couldn't be happier to celebrate the 1st anniversary of the brand new Hampton Inn. "This hotel is fabulous - words cannot express how I feel working here," West said. "I am honored to be general manager of such a beautiful hotel with such a wonderful staff of which I'm very proud."
West says that her favorite part of her job is meeting new people every single day. However, the best part of her life is her beautiful 13-year-old daughter Tiera who is "my world, the apple of my eye," according to West. Tiera is very involved in the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe, performing as a native dancer, and West is very proud of her daughter's enjoyment of her culture.
West has been honored to served on the board of directors for the Halifax County Convention & Visitors Bureau for the past six years, four of which she spent as board chair. "Tourism is such a postive industry in Halifax County - I am proud to be a part of it."
Our other Halifax County CVB Board Members are Val Short, Vice-Chair; Carol Shields, Secretary; Kimberley Robinson, Treasurer; Gene Minton; Rachel Hux; Ali Lubbock; Jim Frazier; Gus Patel; Linda Taylor, Ex-Officio; Arthur Whitehead, Ex-Officio; and Allen Purser, Ex-Officio.
A Few Upcoming Events
May 30 - Valley Fest, Uptown Roanoke Avenue
May 30 - MAZE featuring Frankie Beverly in concert, Atlantic One Amphitheatre
May 30 - Equestrian Trail Ride, Scotland Neck
June 5-7, 12-14 & 19-21 - Hello Dolly!, Lakeland Theatre Company
June 13 - Wildflower Hike, Medoc Mountain State Park
June 18-28 - Summer Carnival, Becker Village Mall
June 19 & 20 - Roanoke Valley Country Music Jubilee, The Centre at Halifax Community College
June 20 - Gospel Show featuring Harold Massey, The Jackson Southernaires, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Spiritual Harmonizers & Starlight Singers, The Roanoke Rapids Theatre
June 20 - Gallberry Stampede Health & Fitness Challenge, Scotland Neck
June 25-28, July 2-3 - First for Freedom Outdoor Drama, 4-H Rural Life Center
June 27 & 28 - Roanoke Rapids Hydro Power Race, Roanoke Rapids Lake Park
June 27 - Lakeland Singers Concert, Lakeland Theatre Company
July 3 - Weldon's Annual Independence Day Celebration, River Falls Park
July 4 - Town of Halifax July 4th Celebration, Halifax County Courthouse
July 4 - Annual Lake Gaston Independence Day Celebration, Morningstar Marina
To plan your summer, check out www.visithalifax.com and click on Calendar of Events! |
