Patrick County Tourism will host the Friends of Southwest Virginia during a Spring Blitz at the Stuart Rotary Hooker Building on today, March 13, from 2 to 4 p.m. for a meet and greet.
Friends of Southwest Virginia represents 19 counties, four cities, and 54 towns in Southwest Virginia and works to develop the creative economy and market the region to the world. Since the inaugural Spring Break Blitz in 2018, Friends of Southwest Virginia has transitioned significantly including merging organizational administration with “Round the Mountain, Virginia’s Artesian Network” to streamline resources and services and temporarily closing Heartwood: Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Gateway in Abingdon (visible from the crossroads of Interstate 77 & 81) for an improved experience and a new, consolidated brand.
“From the changes underway at Heartwood to new websites marketing SWVA to dozens of construction projects breaking ground, our organization is making a major impact across all 19 counties and four cities,” said Chris Cannon, Executive Director for the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation, Friends of Southwest Virginia, and ‘Round the Mountain. “For those not currently engaged with us, this is an opportunity to get an orientation and learn how to work with Friends across our dozen programs.” Attendees can expect to hear important regional and organizational updates, meet the Friends and Round the Mountain team.
Sandra Belcher, director of tourism and marketing for Patrick County, encourages everyone to attend the meeting to provide feedback on how Friends of Southwest Virginia can better serve and partner with Patrick County to boost local economic development. For more information, call Belcher at (276) 692-4422.
