Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, March 27, 1992 TAG: 9203270268
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
Governing bodies in Pulaski and Montgomery counties have declined to enter the accreditation sweepstakes. But the Regional Tourism Organizing Committee, formed under the New River Valley HOSTS, is trying to persuade them to change their minds in the next two weeks.
Other governmental subdivisions have supported seeking state accreditation, under a program similar to one that accredits communities for industrial development.
To be considered for the tourism accreditation program this year, the region would have to let the state know by April 10.
Representatives from Pulaski, Montgomery, Giles and Floyd counties, their towns, the city of Radford and six chambers of commerce have been meeting at least weekly.
Only two communities will get the accreditation in each of six regions in Virginia during this introductory first phase. The program is expected to open to other localities in about 14 months.
The New River group wanted to be among the first to take advantage of current enthusiasm by committee members and the possibility of a federal grant that might not be available next year.
"Even if we are selected, and we expect that to be the case, our work will have only begun," said Bob Thomas, chairman of the committee and past president of HOSTS. "Once enrolled in the program, we have 18 months to meet a long list of requirements to achieve accreditation status."
The program is designed to help localities evaluate and upgrade their readiness for tourism development and expansion.
"It is that outline of requirements and activities that we believe will make us, as a valley, better able to tap the tourism dollars we have only begun to realize are out there," Thomas said.
The accreditation program is not the first tourism venture for the chambers and regional businesses.
They launched HOSTS, which began as Pulaski County HOSTS, last May and set up a state-recognized visitors' information center at the Dublin Comfort Inn.
Slide and photo libraries have been compiled for the past year through the cooperative chamber ventures, and two annual four-color tourism brochures titled "New River Valley Guide" have been produced and distributed.
These steps are among those required for state accreditation and already in place in the New River Valley.
Money to match the grant request is coming from a variety of public and private sources.
"That mix is preferred by the state, since it shows broader support of the regional tourism effort," Thomas said.
"The valley has a lot to offer," he said, "if we just get that message out in better, more creative ways. This accreditation process can help us to make it happen."
HOSTS, now as a regional organization, is seeking more members from individuals or businesses interested in promoting tourism or having their literature displayed in the visitors' center. Further information is available from any of the chambers or from HOSTS by calling the visitors' center at 674-1100, extension 154.
by CNB