Hello Patrick,
The trees are budding, the daffodils are showing strength, and my allergies are in full swing. The beauty of spring is rolling through our community, and you can feel the excitement in the air. This is the time of the year that you should put a little “spring in your step,” as the older folks would say.
Speaking of steps, Tourism applied for a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission, and we were chosen to be a part of the Appalachian Gateway Community Initiative. We have a team of eight members that will head down to Decatur, Alabama, for a three-day workshop of intense training in community development focusing on Tourism. During the three-day workshop, participating teams will hear from national and regional experts, exchange ideas with other teams, and ultimately develop action plans for their communities. Before, during, and after the workshop, teams will receive targeted technical assistance, community tourism assessments, small grants for project implementation, and more. Our team members are Rebecca Adcock (Director of PC Chamber of Commerce), Sissily Harrell (Architect), Wayne Kirkpatrick (Dan River Basin Association Member), Lora Mahaffey (President of Bull Mountain Arts), Travis Murphy (Director of PC Parks & Rec), Bryce Simmons (Stuart Town Manager), Sarah Wray (Reynolds Homestead Community Engagement, Partnership & Program Coordinator) and James Houchins (Director of PC Tourism).
Patrick, we are one of Appalachia’s gateway communities, towns bordering on publicly owned lands, like national and state parks and forests. We want to promote and preserve our spaces. Promoting nature and culture is critical to economic growth, especially for areas experiencing economic distress and transition. Too much use impacts the preservation needed to maintain trails, waterways, crafting traditions, and more for future generations. This workshop will help us develop thoughtful strategies to grow our economy and protect our natural treasures. Partick, we will represent you well. Keep the team in your thoughts and prayers as we head to Alabama the week of April 15th. You can learn more at: https://www.arc.gov/investment/appalachian-gateway-communities-initiative-providing-tools-for-tourism/.
We will let the other teams know they should come and get lost and find themselves in Patrick County. Talk to you soon, love you!
James Houchins,
director of Tourism
