Post on 08-May-2015
Entrepreneur and Small Business WorkshopAD
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WelcomeAD
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Randy RoseThe Virginia Tourism
Corporation
AgendaAD
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Registration Welcome Dignitary Comments Regional Tourism Development Updates Break Hatfield McCoy Trail System Update Adventure Tourism Business Panel Discussion Roundtable Lunch Business in the Commonwealth How to Start and Operate a Business Growing your Business Break Marketing Strategies Financing/Managing Resources Tourism Start up Financing Other Available resources Upcoming Educational Opportunities Conclusion/Surveys
Entrepreneur and Small Business WorkshopOur Sponsors
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Spearhead Trailblazers
Community Leaders
Buchanan County
Dickenson County
Lee County
Russell County Scott County Tazewell County
Wise County City of Norton Area Towns
People Inc.
Special Guests AD
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Regional Tourism Development UpdateAD
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SM• Heartwood – Todd Christensen, SWHCC Director
• Crooked Road – Jonathan Romeo, Interim Exec. Director
• ‘Round the Mountain’ – Diana Blackburn, Exec. Director
• Virginia Coal Heritage Trail – Linda Tate, Chair
• Wilderness Road – Joy Nihil, DBWTA President
• Heart of Appalachia – Rita Surratt, Chair
• Spearhead Trails – Mark Caruso, SRRA Vice Chair
• Fish Va. First – Randy Rose, VTC Dev. Specialist
Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage CommissionAD
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Todd ChristensenHEARTWOOD
Crooked RoadAD
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Jonathan RomeoThe Crooked Road
Round the MountainAD
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Diana B. Blackburn
‘Round the Mountain
Our SponsorsAD
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Virginia Department of Business Assistance
Virginia Coal Heritage TrailAD
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Linda TateVirginia Coal Heritage Trail
Our SponsorsAD
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People Inc. People Inc.
Wilderness RoadAD
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Joy NihilThe Wilderness Road
Our SponsorsAD
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Lenowisco Planning District Commission
Heart of Appalachia Tourism AuthorityAD
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Rita SurrattHeart of Appalachia Tourism Authority
Established in 1993 by the General Assembly as a Regional Tourism Development Authority for the LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Districts.The Code provides that the Authority(Heart of Appalachia) shall promote, expand and develop as a whole the tourism industries of the seven counties and one city within these Planning Districts
Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority
Counties of: Dickenson, Lee, Scott, Buchanan, Russell, Tazewell, Wise and City of Norton in Southwest Virginia
Each county/city in the Heart of Appalachia Region is unique. We have wonderful parks, beautiful scenic mountains, rivers and streams, hiking, biking, fishing, traditional mountain music, A cultural heritage full of interesting historical facts, not to mention all the talented artisans in our region. The Heart of Appalachia region is a great place for starting a Tourism related Business.
Heart of Appalachia Region
Board of Directors 2010
Rita Surratt, Chair, Dickenson CountyStan Botts, Jr., Vice Chair, Wise CountyLinda Tate, Treasurer, Russell CountyJoan Yates, Secretary, Tazewell CountyMary Belcher, Buchanan CountyMarty Hagy, City of NortonSue Rosenbalm, Lee CountyShawn Becker, Scott CountyPersonnel: Samantha Landingham, Office
Manager
Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority Office Location
In 2008, the Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority relocated to the Oxbow Center in St. Paul as a temporary location.
In 2008, Lou Wallace offered Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority Free Rental Space in her building on Russell Street in St. Paul.
The Authority relocated and is currently in the St. Paul location on 16625 Russell Street
Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority Projects 2008,2009,2010
Virginia Coal Heritage Trail – HOATA has been the Lead Organization Partner since its beginning
Designated by the Virginia General Assembly as the Virginia Coal Heritage Trail, An official Virginia Byway in July 2007.
Presently Seeking National Byway Designation
VTC agreed to fund Corridor Management PlanHOATA sponsored $500. for each locality to help
with funding for the Corridor Management Plan
Heart of Appalachia Projects
2008, Contracted Jason Stidham from Appalachian Communications to update website.
Co-op ads with the Crooked Road and Round the Mountain in Virginia Travel Guide for 2009 and 2010
Full page ad in the new 2009/2010 Crooked Road Travel Guide
Contracted Jim Stallard’s Studio to design and print a new Heart of Appalachia Logo and Brochure for 2010.
HOATA Projects continued:
Developed Group Tour Itinerary Sheet for Blue Ridge Travel Association to insert in their marketing media.
Developed Retractable Banner for Heart of Appalachia in order to display at meetings, conferences, etc.
Developed Rack Card of Heart of Appalachia to be placed in visitor’s centers, Tourism destinations and sent out for requests until new brochure is developed.
Tear off map being designed and ready for print in 2010.
Profile Tour Itinerary Sheet
Sample of our Rack Card and Retractable Banner
Regional Agritourism Conference and Tour of Mountain Rose Vineyards
Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority sponsored all the seven Coalfield Counties and City of Norton with a $500 sponsorship in order to be on this trail. Press Release: April 29,2009Fish Virginia Fishing First Tourism Initiative Unveiled LIVE on ESPN Outdoorswww.fishvirginiafirst.com
Other Projects
The Heart of Appalachia Board of Directors voted to help with getting a portion “the Southern Loop” of the Great Eastern Trail into the counties of Dickenson, Buchanan and Tazewell.
The Great Eastern Trail:
Spearhead Trails
Heart of Appalachia has been involved from the initial stage in planning for development of an ATV Trail now called the Spearhead Trails in the Heart of Appalachia region. Several of our board members are on the Spearhead Trailblazers committee and meet periodically.
Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority is working with the following Organizations to help in the Marketing ofSouthwest Virginia:• The Crooked Road “Virginia’s Music Trail”• Round the Mountain-Southwest Virginia’s Artisan
Trails• Virginia Tourism Corporation• Great Eastern Trail• Virginia Coal Heritage Trail• Spearhead Trails• Wilderness Road• Fish Virginia First• Tourism Committees in Each County & City in Heart
of Appalachia Region• Blue Ridge Travel Association• Heartwood- Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Gateway
Outdoor Adventure Tourism Business Opportunities in the HOA Region:• Tour guides- fishing, kayaking, hiking, etc.
• Bike Rentals- Bike Repair shops, Canoe , raft rentals, Sporting goods store
• Sandwich/coffee shops• Ice Cream/Shaved Ice vendors• Bed and Breakfast or Cottage Rentals• Tour bus/van• Contact local Chambers of Commerce, Small
Business Development Centers at local community colleges, Virginia Tourism Corporation and Virginia’s Department of Business Assistance for information.
How can HOATA help you?
We want to see you succeed in your business!
Extensive Marketing Campaign to bring visitors to our regionAds in Magazines, VA Travel Guide, Crooked Road Travel
GuideDeveloping new Brochure showcasing Heart of Appalachia
RegionDeveloping Tear Off Map to be distributed regionallySocial Media PromotionBuilding New Website
Partnering with other Organizations to market region:Virginia Tourism Corporation, Blue Ridge Travel
Association, Chambers of Commerce, Heartwood, Crooked Road, Round the Mountain, etc.
Educational Workshops such as Customer Service Training, Business Start-up, Social Media, Agri-tourism
Encouraging Visitors to come to our region, stay a few days, spend a
a lot of money at your business!
Contact Information:Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority16625 Russell StreetP.O. Box 186St. Paul, Virginia 24283Samantha Landingham, Office Manager/Tourism Coordinator
(276) 762-0011www.heartofappalachia.comEmail: info@heartofappalachia.com
Presentation by: Rita Surratt, Chair, Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority
Our SponsorsAD
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Cumberland Plateau Planning District
Commission
Spearhead TrailsAD
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SMSOUTHWEST REGIONAL RECREATION
AUTHORITY
Ready for the next Step!
Multi-Use Trails for
Adventure Tourism and
Economic Development
Spearhead TrailsAD
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Mark CarusoSouthwest Regional Recreation Authority
Spearhead TrailsAD
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SMSOUTHWEST REGIONAL RECREATION AUTHORITY
Ready for the next Step!
15.2-6016. Southwest Regional Recreation Authority established.
We are created by statute to establish, operate, and maintain public, multiple use, recreational trails and related facilities that are part of the Southwest Regional Recreation Area, also
known as the Spearhead Trails.
We are governed by a board of directors that includes appointed representatives of the following jurisdictions in Southwest Virginia:
Spearhead TrailsAD
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SMSOUTHWEST REGIONAL RECREATION AUTHORITY
Ready for the next Step!
Appointed SRRABoard
Wise Co. Russell Co. Tazewell Co. Scott Co. Lee Co. Dickenson Co.
City of Norton
Buchanan Co.
Steering Committee
Equestrian
HikingMotorized
WaterwayFishing
Biking
Non-Voting Board Members
Spearhead Trails Executive Director
TRAILBLAZERS
Spearhead TrailsAD
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Executive Director
(FT)
ChiefPublic Safety
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Rangers(FT/PT)
Trail Operations Director
(FT)
Field Tech.(PT)
HEO(PT)
Marketing Director
(FT)
Marketing Asst.(PT)
Retail Sales Manager
(PT)
Office and HR Director
(FT)
Admin Asst.(PT)
Interns
Spearhead TrailsAD
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SMSOUTHWEST REGIONAL RECREATION AUTHORITY
Ready for the next Step!
In April 2009, through grants from the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Revitalization Commission and the Motorcycle Industry Council/Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, the Southwest Regional Recreation Authority (SRRA) hired "We Make Things Happen" (WMTH) Corporation to complete a feasibility study and develop a comprehensive plan for the Spearhead Trails initiative.
Summit Engineering developed maps and provided assistance.
Feasibility Study & Comprehensive Plan
Spearhead TrailsAD
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SMSOUTHWEST REGIONAL RECREATION AUTHORITY
Ready for the next Step!
3. We will work with public land holders to assist in the development of trails on public lands that have economic potential for local communities.
1. Facilitate recreational trails development that will Create economic opportunities for local businesses.
2. We will seek cooperative easements on tracts of private land to create public use trails.
Spearhead TrailsAD
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SMSOUTHWEST REGIONAL RECREATION AUTHORITY
Ready for the next Step!
Near Perfect ExistingLand Owner / Topographic Patterns
We have hundreds of miles of coal, gas, and timber roads; yet we do not have one mile of trails for
public motorized recreation
Spearhead TrailsAD
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SMSOUTHWEST REGIONAL RECREATION AUTHORITY
Ready for the next Step!
Three Regional Initiatives
Spearhead TrailsAD
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SMSOUTHWEST REGIONAL RECREATION AUTHORITY
Ready for the next Step!
Economic Impact: Horseback Riding
Knott County KY Annual Trail Ride 10,000 people and 7,000 riders this
year!
Economic Impact on the Region:
0ver $2.3 million
This could be happening in SW Virginia
Spearhead TrailsAD
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SMSOUTHWEST REGIONAL RECREATION AUTHORITY
Ready for the next Step!
Economic Impact: Canoeing & Boating
The Meramec River in Missouri attracts over 8,000 people on a given weekend
This could be happening along the Clinch River in Scott, Russell and Wise counties and along the Powell River in the southern portion of
Lee County.
Spearhead TrailsAD
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SMSOUTHWEST REGIONAL RECREATION AUTHORITY
Ready for the next Step!
Economic Impact: Birding & Wildlife
A small town in Texas marketed bird watching which resulted in 160 new jobs and
a 28% increase in sales tax!
Virginia has the best and most complete Wildlife & Birding Trail
System!
SW Virginia could include wildlife viewing as part of all their trails and set themselves apart from others.
Spearhead TrailsAD
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SMSOUTHWEST REGIONAL RECREATION AUTHORITY
Ready for the next Step!
Black Mountain Trails in East Kentucky
The Evarts Trail Head has seen 5 ATV shops open up, 14 new log cabins built, 2 new RV/camps, 31 rental homes and
apartments, 3 new restaurants, 2 new car washes, 2 new restaurants, and 61.5 new jobs created.
Spearhead TrailsAD
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SMSOUTHWEST REGIONAL RECREATION AUTHORITY
Ready for the next Step!
Economic Impact: Off-Road Vehicles
Southwest Regional Recreation Authority (SRRA) could potentially generate over a $ million
in permit fees and $ millions $ in economic output for the local communities
Hatfield-McCoy ATV Trail System is bringing $$’s and creating jobs in
West Virginia!
Spearhead TrailsAD
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SMSOUTHWEST REGIONAL RECREATION AUTHORITY
Ready for the next Step!
This could be happening in SW Virginia
Spearhead TrailsAD
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SMSOUTHWEST REGIONAL RECREATION AUTHORITY
Ready for the next Step!
Southwest Virginia has tremendous potential to become
“A Trail Destination” for OHV riders horseback riders,
bikers, hikers, canoeists, naturalists and others.
Spearhead TrailsAD
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SMSOUTHWEST REGIONAL RECREATION AUTHORITY
Ready for the next Step!
The Spearhead Trail Systemcould bring an additional
$30 million to local economies at a time
when economic growth is desperately needed.
Spearhead TrailsAD
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SMSOUTHWEST REGIONAL RECREATION AUTHORITY
Ready for the next Step!
The Spearhead Trail System has the potential to bring
200,000 visitors to the region and to create
300 to 500 new jobs!
Spearhead TrailsAD
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SMSOUTHWEST REGIONAL RECREATION AUTHORITY
Ready for the next Step!
Acquire Operational and Capital Start up Funds
Establish Spearhead Trails Executive Director Position
Establish Landowner Agreements (Cooperative Easements) 100-300 miles
Conduct entrepreneur workshops throughout the region for Adventure Tourism :
Conduct Hands On Trail Building workshops
Develop Spearhead Trails Operational Policies and Business Plan
Facilitate Business Development in SWVA
Spearhead TrailsAD
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SMSOUTHWEST REGIONAL RECREATION AUTHORITY
Ready for the next Step!
Hire Key Spearhead Trails Staff
Develop and Implement a Marketing Plan
Open Multiuse Trails Throughout the Region
Work with Public Land Holders to Restore or Create New Trails
Our SponsorsAD
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Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority
Fish Virginia FirstAD
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Randy RoseFish Virginia First
Fish Virginia First Marketing
• Website (fishvirginiafirst.com)• Brochures• Advertising• Television Component• Tournament Sponsorship• Public Relations• Trade Shows
To Stay Updated:
Contact your Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) or locality leadership. DMO contact information for Virginia can be found on: www.vatc.org (website)
http://www.vatc.org/csir/dmolist.asp (direct link)
Our SponsorsAD
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Wise County
BreakAD
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15 Minutes
The Hatfield-McCoy Trail SystemAD
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Bill ReedSAM Events and Lodging
Adventure Tourism Business Panel Discussion Shawn Hash - Tangent Outfitters (River / Biking / Outfitter – Guide)AD
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Shawn HashTangent Outfitters
Our SponsorsAD
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The Virginia Tourism Corporation
Adventure Tourism Business Panel DiscussionLinda Hayes - The Inn at River Bend (Lodging)
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Linda HayesThe Inn at River Bend
Adventure Tourism Business Panel Discussion Tom Horsh (Biking / Shuttle / Outfitters, Lodging)
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Tom HorshBike/Shuttle/Outfitter
Our SponsorsAD
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Spearhead Trails
Adventure Tourism Business Panel Discussion Donnie Turner – Carroll County & Blue Cat on the New (River / Biking Outfitter / Guide)
ADVE
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Donnie TurnerBlue Cat on the New
Adventure Tourism Business Panel Discussion Mountain Creek Mountain Rustic Resort
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Diane PhillipsMeadow Creek Mountain
Rustic Resort
Entrepreneur and Small Business WorkshopThanks again to our Sponsors
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Spearhead Trailblazers
Community Leaders
Buchanan County
Dickenson County
Lee County
Russell County Scott County Tazewell County
Wise County City of Norton Area Towns
People Inc.
LunchAD
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15 Minutes