Description

• Reach a wider audience by getting listed on Virginia.org – FOR FREE!
• Stretch your advertising dollars with VTC’s industry co-op advertising program
• Apply for the new VTC Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program and other VTC grants
• Prepare for the Highland Tourism Council’s new Marketing Assistance Program for additional funding

Want more guidance or can’t make the presentation?  Schedule time to attend a workshop for one-on-one attention with VTC Development Specialist Katie Conner and Partnership Marketing Grants Manager Staci Martin on Thursday, August 25 for a 30-minute session.

Any tourism-related businesses, nonprofits, and individuals are encouraged to attend the presentation or workshops.  RSVP at www.surveymonkey.com/r/BJVK2TC or contact Chris Swecker at director@highlandcounty.org or 540-468-2550.

The following individuals will be presenting information.

Katie Conner is a Development Specialist in the Partnership Marketing division with the Virginia Tourism Corporation.  She works with tourism industry partners throughout Virginia to facilitate the development of community-based tourism programs, new product, and tourism-related businesses that support revenue generation and job creation.  Serving the Virginia Mountains, Shenandoah Valley, and Central Virginia tourism regions, she is passionate about helping elevate the communities she works with.

Staci Martin has been in public service for over 20 years.  She is the Partnership Marketing Grants Manager at the Virginia Tourism Corporation, and her previous position was as VTC’s Senior Destination Development Specialist in the coastal region.  Focusing on entrepreneurial development, marketing, and partnerships, she understands the connections between tourism, blue and green infrastructure, and the workforce.

Chris Swecker is the Executive Director of the Highland Tourism Council and Highland County Chamber of Commerce.  Since 2019, he has strived to lift up local businesses and entrepreneurs, promote Highland County, and champion economic prosperity and quality of life in the community.  He is passionate about seeing Highland County grow for the benefit of current residents and future generations.

The Marketing Assistance Presentation and Workshops are sponsored by The Highland Tourism Council and Virginia Tourism Corporation.

Learn more about the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s offerings at www.vatc.org.  Learn more about the Highland Tourism Council at www.highlandcounty.org/tourism-council. 

The five-member Highland Tourism Council is a subcommittee of the Economic Development Authority of Highland County.  It is made up of five volunteers who represent various tourism interests in the county and consists of a member of the EDA or their designee, a member of the Chamber of Commerce Board, a representative of the lodging businesses, and two members at large who represent tourism interests of the county. 

The Virginia Tourism Corporation’s mission is to expand domestic and international in-bound travel and motion picture production to generate revenue and employment in Virginia.  Their vision is to foster a spirit of partnership within Virginia’s tourism and motion picture industries.