/press/release_detail/ en amy@greenbrierwv.com Copyright 2009 2009-06-23T14:41:00-06:00 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/GreenbrierCountyWestVirginia-PressReleases/~3/6A_gARjqVRw/ http://greenbrierwv.com/press/release_detail/golf_channel_features_the_greenbrier_on_golf_in_america/#When:14:41:00Z Tonight, June 23, at 10:00pm the Golf Channel’s new series “Golf in America” will highlight The Greenbrier Bunker in it’s premiere episode. For more information, see http://www.golfchannel.com/golfinamerica. 2009-06-23T14:41:00-06:00 http://greenbrierwv.com/press/release_detail/golf_channel_features_the_greenbrier_on_golf_in_america/#When:14:41:00Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/GreenbrierCountyWestVirginia-PressReleases/~3/k6awZzxwMGQ/ http://greenbrierwv.com/press/release_detail/greenbrier_county_convention_visitors_bureau/#When:17:48:00Z Lewisburg, WV (June 5, 2009) – The Greenbrier County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is delighted to announce that the 2009-2010 edition of the Official Visitors Guide is now available. The 44-page Visitor Guide features a magazine-style format bursting with photography, sidebar personal interest stories, clearly defined sections with creative introductions and comprehensive information on county attractions, dining, lodging, historical sites and much more. “The Visitors Guide is our main collateral piece and is truly a showpiece for Greenbrier County, providing visitors a first impression of the area and its offerings,” said Kara Dense, Executive Director of the CVB. “It is an invaluable, relevant resource for tourists, group tour planners, residents and businesses alike.” This year the CVB printed 100,000 copies of the Visitors Guide that will be distributed through next spring to a variety of travel plazas and visitors centers around the state, as well as sent in response to individual requests for information on Greenbrier County. Additionally, the publication will be available online in digital, interactive format at the CVB’s website, www.greenbrierwv.com, complete with direct links to advertisers. To request a copy of the new Visitors Guide, call the CVB at 800-833-2068 or visit us on the web at www.greenbrierwv.com. About the Greenbrier County Convention & Visitors Bureau: The CVB’s mission is to strive each day to positively impact the area’s economy by marketing the region as a premier tourist destination. The Greenbrier Valley is the second most visited region in the state with 1.3 million visitors annually resulting in an economic impact of more than $223 million. # # # 2009-06-05T17:48:00-06:00 http://greenbrierwv.com/press/release_detail/greenbrier_county_convention_visitors_bureau/#When:17:48:00Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/GreenbrierCountyWestVirginia-PressReleases/~3/wCv-OWqQ-7Y/ http://greenbrierwv.com/press/release_detail/cvb_mini_grant_deadline_set_for_july_1/#When:17:03:00Z Lewisburg, WV (June 4, 2009) – The Greenbrier County Convention & Visitors Bureau announces a deadline of Wednesday, July 1, 2009, to receive applications for the Cooperative Advertising Grant Program. For those needing assistance with the completion of their applications, a workshop will be held on Monday, June 15 at 5:00pm at the CVB Office located at 540 N. Jefferson Street, Lewisburg. The Mini Grant Program is an excellent source of marketing dollars for groups promoting tourism-related events and activities within Greenbrier County. Since the program’s inception in July 2002, the CVB has provided more than $205,000 toward the marketing efforts of a variety of events and attractions including the Alderson Fall Heritage Festival, Rupert Country Fling, Freshwater Folk Festival, White Sulphur Springs Dandelion Festival and Taste of Our Towns Festival. “The CVB mini grants have been of great importance to the Battle of Lewisburg Living History & Reenactment,” said Darlene Fife, Project Manager of the event. “It gives us the opportunity of advertising through a variety of outlets including newspapers and magazines.” Funding is available in the form of mini grants to groups (two or more businesses), organizations and nonprofits operating in Greenbrier County. Requests can be made up to $2,000 and must be used to reach people outside of a 50-mile radius. Applications for the CVB’s mini grants are reviewed by the organization’s Marketing Committee twice each year, in January and July. For a copy of the application and a complete list of rules and regulations, visit www.greenbrierwv.com. For additional information or questions, contact Rachael Stebbins, Director of Marketing & Communications at or 304-645-1000. About the Greenbrier County Convention & Visitors Bureau: The CVB’s mission is to strive each day to positively impact the area’s economy by marketing the region as a premier tourist destination. The Greenbrier Valley is the second most visited region in the state with 1.3 million visitors annually and an economic impact of more than $223 million. # # # 2009-06-04T17:03:00-06:00 http://greenbrierwv.com/press/release_detail/cvb_mini_grant_deadline_set_for_july_1/#When:17:03:00Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/GreenbrierCountyWestVirginia-PressReleases/~3/SRRQuhQra4g/ http://greenbrierwv.com/press/release_detail/greenbrier_valley_announces_exciting_weekend_activities/#When:19:24:00Z Lewisburg, WV (June 3, 2009) – Plan to visit the Greenbrier Valley during the weekend of June 11-14 and take advantage of a variety of special events going on in the area. From Angora goats to lemonade and lavender, no matter your age or interests, you’ll find something to suit you. 22nd Annual Ronceverte River Festival June 11-14 The 22nd Annual Ronceverte River Festival takes place June 11-14 at the Ronceverte Island Park. This exciting event features the Great Rubber Ducky Race, live entertainment, games, carnival rides, crafts, food, fireworks and a flea market among many other activities. For more information, call 304-647-DUCK. 18th Annual Angora Goat Show & Sale & Fiber Festival June 12-14 The 18th Annual Angora Goat Show & Fiber Festival, held at the State Fairgrounds, includes workshops, spinning demonstrations, vendors selling mohair fleeces, fiber equipment, books, soaps, handmade clothing and more. Come enjoy goat cheese and competitions. The event is free to the public. For more information, visit www.angoragoats.com. Lake Sherwood 50th Anniversary Celebration June 12-14 Lake Sherwood Recreation Area in the Monongahela National Forest is celebrating its 50th anniversary. This family-friendly event features live music, a children’s fishing derby, nature programs and door prizes. Visitors can also enjoy camping, hiking and swimming in the 165-acre lake. For more information, contact the White Sulphur Springs District at 304-536-2144. Trillium Performing Arts Garden Party and Silent Auction June 12 Trillium Performing Arts presents a Garden Party and Silent Auction on Friday, June 12, 530-8pm. The gardens of the historic General Lewis Inn provide the setting for live entertainment, fine food and wine. Tickets are $25 per adult and $10 per youth in advance or $30 per adult and $15 per youth the day of the event. For more information, including where to purchase advance tickets, call 304-645-3003 or visit www.trilliumperformingarts.org. Lemonade & Lavender Historic Home & Garden Tour June 13 The Greenbrier Historical Society hosts the Lemonade & Lavender Historic Home & Garden Tour on Saturday, June 13 from 10am-4pm. Homes of both architectural and historical significance are open for the public to tour, including a one-of-a-kind guest house, historic church and lavish gardens. Lemonade is available throughout the day at the North House Museum. Tickets are $15. For a complete list of homes and advance ticket locations, call 304-645-3398 or visit www.greenbrierhistorical.org. Greenbrier Valley Theatre Presents Great Weekend Line-Up June 12 – The Greenbrier Ghost Greenbrier Valley Theatre presents The Greenbrier Ghost on Friday, June 12 at 8pm. This popular musical premiered in 2003 and tells the true storey of a local girl, Zona Heaster Shue, who is murdered by her husband and returns in the spirit to relate the story to her mother. It’s the only time in American legal history the testimony of a ghost was used as evidence in a conviction. June 13 – The Bridegroom of Blowing Rock Set amidst the waning days of the Civil War in the mountains of North Carolina, The Bridegroom of Blowing Rock tells the story of a young blind girl who falls in love with a Union soldier hiding out in the mountains. Their love fuels her mother’s drive to avenge her son’s death even as they struggle to regain the life and spirit torn apart by the war. Tickets for both of these events are $23 for adults, $20 for seniors and $14 for students and children. June 14 – The Manhattan Jazz Quartet The Manhattan Jazz Quartet, with special guest Gary Moran, will perform at 730pm. Admission is $10. For more information on these Greenbrier Valley Theatre events, visit www.gvtheatre.org. Visit the Convention & Visitors website at www.greenbrierwv.com for a complete list of upcoming events and activities or call 800-833-2068. About the Greenbrier County Convention & Visitors Bureau: The CVB’s mission is to strive each day to positively impact the area’s economy by marketing the region as a premier tourist destination. The Greenbrier Valley is the second most visited region in the state with 1.3 million visitors annually and an economic impact of more than $223 million. # # # 2009-06-03T19:24:00-06:00 http://greenbrierwv.com/press/release_detail/greenbrier_valley_announces_exciting_weekend_activities/#When:19:24:00Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/GreenbrierCountyWestVirginia-PressReleases/~3/SIl72h9z9rE/ http://greenbrierwv.com/press/release_detail/greenbrier_county_commission_designates_may_9_17_as_national_tourism_week/#When:16:58:00Z Lewisburg, WV (May 13, 2009) At the May 12 Greenbrier County Commission Meeting, County Commissioners designated May 9-17 as National Tourism Week in Greenbrier County. “Travel Matters” is the theme of this year’s National Tourism week and in Greenbrier County, that slogan rings true. “Travel and tourism play a key role in Greenbrier County’s economy,” said Kara Dense, Executive Director of the CVB. “Our community relies on travel for tax revenue and jobs and the benefits these bring to our economy.” In Greenbrier County, the travel industry generates approximately 2,660 jobs and contributes $223 million to the economy annually. “80% of the customers at my downtown location are tourists,” said Mary Chappell, owner of Studio 40. “The success of both Studio 40’s Greenbrier Hotel and Lewisburg locations is driven by this area’s thriving tourist trade.” “We especially thank our local businesses this week who are vital to our community’s successful tourism industry,” said Dense. In that spirit, CVB staff is personally visiting local businesses throughout the week to say thanks. About the Greenbrier County Convention & Visitors Bureau: The CVB’s mission is to strive each day to positively impact the area’s economy by marketing the region as a premier tourist destination. The Greenbrier Valley is the second most visited region in the state with 1.3 million visitors annually and an economic impact of more than $223 million. # # # 2009-05-13T16:58:00-06:00 http://greenbrierwv.com/press/release_detail/greenbrier_county_commission_designates_may_9_17_as_national_tourism_week/#When:16:58:00Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/GreenbrierCountyWestVirginia-PressReleases/~3/VaNIX31jCgg/ http://greenbrierwv.com/press/release_detail/suzanne_humphrey_named_hospitality_star_of_the_year_by_greenbrier_cvb/#When:18:35:00Z Lewisburg, WV (May 12, 2009) Suzanne Humphrey, Manager of the Holiday Inn Express in Lewisburg, was named Greenbrier County Convention & Visitors Bureau Hospitality Star of the Year. Humphrey was selected out of 26 nominees for her willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty for the hotel’s guests. One example of her extraordinary customer service skills was detailed in a guest’s remarks who said, “Suzanne used her personal lunch time to pick us up from the Amtrak station after our train was delayed. She then shuttled us to our rental car company.” “Our goal with this program is to honor outstanding customer service in Greenbrier County,” said Kara Dense, Executive Director of the CVB. “Our tourism businesses serve the public daily and often go unrecognized for their efforts of maximizing our visitors’ experience. This is just one small way we’ve chosen to give them the recognition they deserve.” As this year’s winner, Humphrey was honored with a special gift basket featuring items from the following sponsors: Azulyn Day Spa, Belinda Anderson, Blackwell’s Restaurant, Carnegie Hall, Food & Friends, Greenbrier Valley Theatre, Harmony Ridge Gallery, Kitten’s Korner, Tavern 1785, The Crazy Baker, The General Lewis Inn, The Mason Jar, The North House Museum and Watts Roost Vineyard. The winner of the most nominations, 187, was Elizabeth Keys, a server at The General Lewis Inn in Lewisburg. She was honored with a special basket that included gifts from Azulyn Day Spa and Blackwell’s Restaurant.  This year’s other nominees included: Leah Spence, Aggie’s, Something Sweet, Something Country Lindsey Hanna, The Brier Inn Eva Burress, Michael Coleman, Lisa Gordon, Joanne Hale, April Morgan, Jim Morgan, Angie Phillips, Helen Reynolds, Rhonda Short, Twain Wesley and Wilda Williams, The General Lewis Inn Wayne and Tara LeBlanc, Great Oak Bed and Breakfast Jeremy Cross, Deloris Jameson and Jeff Layfield, Greenbrier State Forest Melissa Campbell and Walter Patterson, The Greenbrier Amy Flack and Joy Hoke, Hampton Inn Mike McCormick, Shoney’s The Hospitality Stars program is designed to recognize exceptional service by hospitality employees throughout the county. County businesses are encouraged to distribute nomination brochures which ask customers to describe any exceptional service they received while visiting the area. Each quarter, nominated employees receive a star lapel pin and recognition by the CVB. This year’s awards were given during a special breakfast on Tuesday, May 12 as part of National Tourism Awareness Week. For additional information on the Hospitality Stars program, or to carry the nomination brochures in your business, contact the CVB at 304-645-1000. About the Greenbrier County Convention & Visitors Bureau: The CVB’s mission is to strive each day to positively impact the area’s economy by marketing the region as a premier tourist destination. The Greenbrier Valley is the second most visited region in the state with 1.3 million visitors annually and an economic impact of more than $223 million. # # # 2009-05-12T18:35:00-06:00 http://greenbrierwv.com/press/release_detail/suzanne_humphrey_named_hospitality_star_of_the_year_by_greenbrier_cvb/#When:18:35:00Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/GreenbrierCountyWestVirginia-PressReleases/~3/iUXA5fcB-og/ http://greenbrierwv.com/press/release_detail/cvb_responds_to_announcement_of_the_greenbrier_purchase/#When:21:11:00Z Lewisburg, WV (May 7, 2009) The following statement has been issued by the Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau in response to The Greenbrier’s May 7 announcement of purchase by the Justice Family Group. The Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau looks forward to the new opportunities presented to The Greenbrier and the tourism industry with the purchase of the resort by the Justice Family Group. The Greenbrier is a vital component of the tourism industry which drives the economic viability and stability of Greenbrier County. We at the CVB remain committed to our mission of marketing the entire Greenbrier Valley, and we look forward to continuing our long-standing partnership with The Greenbrier. # # # Click here to view video coverage of the announcement. About the Greenbrier County Convention & Visitors Bureau: The CVB’s mission is to strive each day to positively impact the area’s economy by marketing the region as a premier tourist destination. The Greenbrier Valley is the second most visited region in the state with 1.3 million visitors annually and an economic impact of more than $223 million. For additional information, contact: Kara Dense Executive Director Greenbrier County Convention & Visitors Bureau 304-645-1000 2009-05-07T21:11:00-06:00 http://greenbrierwv.com/press/release_detail/cvb_responds_to_announcement_of_the_greenbrier_purchase/#When:21:11:00Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/GreenbrierCountyWestVirginia-PressReleases/~3/qROrHoXJftc/ http://greenbrierwv.com/press/release_detail/contest_winner_shares_greenbrier_valley_experience/#When:15:51:00Z The following letter was written by Susan Shoemaker, the winner of the CVB’s Spring Facebook Contest, after her visit over the weekend of April 18-19: April 23, 2009 Thank you Greenbrier County CVB for making my weekend spectacular on April 18th! I was so thrilled to find out that I won the Chocolate Festival package on the Facebook site! I was so thrilled that I realized I was unsure of what I had actually won. With excitement I phoned the Greenbrier County Convention and Visitor Bureau to speak with Kara Dense, Executive Director, to find out what my winnings included. Much to my surprise I won tickets to the tasting of chocolates at the Chocolate Festival, a two night stay at the Holiday Inn Express, tickets to the Simone Concert, and a wonderful goody bag with Chocolate Festival t-shirts! All I needed to do was pack my bags. I had never been to Lewisburg or the Greenbrier area of West Virginia; little did I know that I was in for a real “treat”! The area is absolutely beautiful! The drive to Lewisburg from my hometown of Masontown, PA (approx 3 ½ hrs) was relaxing and very easy to do. I arrived, met CVB staff, took a couple photos and off I went to eat my way through “chocolate heaven” located in Lewisburg. The festival was wonderful and very enjoyable! The chocolate was very tasty in every store/site, although I really didn’t like the chocolate beer at the Irish Pub. I did return to that same pub for homemade Irish stew that was absolutely wonderful! The weather and day was wonderful as if it was just ordered for the festival. The Simone concert was most enjoyable—what a beautiful voice! I was not familiar with this entertainer and found the concert to be quite a surprise. My favorite music is jazz and some blues. I was so pleasantly surprise to hear the melodies that came from this very beautiful singer! After my wonderful day in downtown Lewisburg at the Chocolate Festival, I traveled to The Greenbrier resort. I had always wanted to visit this world renowned resort to take in its’ beauty. I visited the shops in the resort while waiting on the Bunker tour which was interesting. I never knew the magnitude of keeping a 30 year secret! I also visited Lost World Caverns on Sunday, April 19th. I was trying to pack a lot in to a couple days. The caverns were interesting and the staff at the cave was most helpful! Everyone I encountered at the CVB, the festival, the hotel, concert, the cave, and The Greenbrier were helpful and very pleasant. I am so glad I logged onto your Facebook page and became a member! I will return to your area soon because once I told my boss of my wonderful time, she suggested a “girl trip” to Lewisburg. Thank you again for allowing me the opportunity to visit Lewisburg, the Chocolate Festival and Greenbrier County!! Susan D. Shoemaker 2009-04-24T15:51:00-06:00 http://greenbrierwv.com/press/release_detail/contest_winner_shares_greenbrier_valley_experience/#When:15:51:00Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/GreenbrierCountyWestVirginia-PressReleases/~3/vhA7wKV_9NA/ http://greenbrierwv.com/press/release_detail/greenbrier_valley_wva_offers_visitors_a_new_spin_on_the_weekend_getaway/#When:16:16:00Z With a bevy of outdoor attractions, quaint shopping venues and culinary delicacies Greenbrier County has quickly become a hot spot for regional travelers.  “We pride ourselves on offering something for everyone,” said Kara Dense, executive director of the Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau.  “Our community is dedicated to providing a unique experience for every visitor and with a wide variety of offerings the Greenbrier Valley is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.” One of the main reasons for a weekend getaway to the Greenbrier Valley in April is its annual Chocolate Festival.  Named one of the “Top 20” events by the Southeast Tourism Society, Lewisburg’s Chocolate Festival offers something for chocolate lovers of all ages including tastings, themed dinners and musical performances. And now the Greenbrier Valley is making it easier for one couple to enjoy the festivities.  Between today and noon, April 15 the Greenbrier Valley will be running a contest on its Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Greenbrier-Valley-WV/40400450097?sid=9422f2d6fa0c07a20b0f847a16790824&ref=s for all of its fans.  The contest calls for all fans to post an inspiring photo, short video, or recommendation of the Greenbrier Valley onto its Facebook page. The winning submission will receive accommodations for two at the Holiday Inn Express in Lewisburg, tickets to a musical performance at Carnegie Hall featuring Simone, and $30 worth of tasting tickets to be used during the festival (April 18).  The contest is only available to fans, so if members of the public would like to participate and are not already listed as a fan all they will need to do is sign up on the Facebook page.  The contest is not limited to fans that live in the Greenbrier Valley as all fans are welcome to participate.  “We are very excited about the new contest on our Facebook page and we are currently exploring other options for engaging travelers through social media,” Dense said. “We greatly appreciate all of our fans and we look forward to naming the winner of this year’s Chocolate Festival contest.” Whether travelers are interested in the arts, outdoor living, or just getting away from it all the Greenbrier Valley has something for everyone.  According to Dense, Lewisburg is one of only two localities in West Virginia that has been named as a certified arts community, offers one of only four Carnegie Halls in the world and is currently featuring the musical performance “Simone,” and boasts shopping and dining experiences that are truly unique.  Being within driving distance of major cities such as Richmond and Roanoke, Va. and Charleston, W.Va. the Greenbrier Valley is an economical solution for a getaway and now with the introduction of the Chocolate Festival contest all interested parties can sign up to experience a stress free weekend for next to nothing.  To learn more about what the Greenbrier Valley has to offer log on to http://www.greenbrierwv.com and for additional information about the Chocolate Festival log on to http://www.lewisburgchocolatefestival.com.  ### 2009-04-02T16:16:00-06:00 http://greenbrierwv.com/press/release_detail/greenbrier_valley_wva_offers_visitors_a_new_spin_on_the_weekend_getaway/#When:16:16:00Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/GreenbrierCountyWestVirginia-PressReleases/~3/wHFU0-VyxP0/ http://greenbrierwv.com/press/release_detail/nominate_greenbrier_county_restaurants_for_the_peoples_choice_wvs_unique_pl/#When:15:38:01Z Due to popular demand for a list of top eateries, the Collaborative for the 21st Century Appalachia and the West Virginia Department of Tourism have joined together - with support from the Benedum Foundation - for the “People’s Choice - West Virginia’s Unique Places to Dine.” Your help is needed in identifying 101 local eateries with good cooking. Your input can help ensure that the Greenbrier County is well represented. After the names are submitted and reviewed, there will be a brochure printed to promote WV’s best restaurants. The brochures will be available to welcome centers, in- and out-of-state bus tour companies, Convention & Visitors Bureaus and Chambers of Commerce and other outlets. What types of places are eligible for this free publicity?  • Eateries that have a storefront that is open on scheduled hours to the public to make purchases.  • It must be both in-state owned and not national chains.  • It must continuously meet West Virginia Health Department standards. The information that we are gathering about these eateries includes:  • Restaurant’s name • Location • Owner’s name • Contact information (phone and e-mail) • The dish the restaurant is best known for, is proudest of, and/or is most unique • Any special historical aspect to the eatery • If the restaurant has an online site, provide the Web address. The closing date for submitting this information is April 24, 2009. Remember that this is a statewide effort and so a restaurant’s submitting the above information does not guarantee them a spot on the brochure. Click here to submit your nomination online or send the information listed above to: Collaborative for the 21st Century Appalachia Attn: Debbie Huber 1508 Bigley Ave. Charleston, WV 25302 ### 2009-03-25T15:38:01-06:00 http://greenbrierwv.com/press/release_detail/nominate_greenbrier_county_restaurants_for_the_peoples_choice_wvs_unique_pl/#When:15:38:01Z