The Shadow
Teresa Hammond, executive director of the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, made a presentation to Covington City Council Tuesday night.
Her presentation focused on the creation of a Virginia Mountain Region for the purposes of tourism marketing.
A handout that Hammond presented illustrates several reasons why she feels this change would be beneficial to the Highlands.
One reason was listed in the beginning of the handout that was given to council members and it read, “Whereas, Virginia has a vast mountain region comprised of natural beauty encompassing the Blue Ridge and Virginia’s Western Highlands.”
A second reason for this effort is because the Virginia Tourism Corporation identified Alleghany County as being part of the broader Shenandoah Valley region since 1967, for the purposes of marketing.
A third reason is that traveler research shows that the word “mountains” is mentioned most frequently by vacationers uniting the mountain region which opens doors to creating waves of influence and recognition as a unique marketing destination.
A final reason cited in the handout was the economic impact by this proposed move would be undeniable as tourism for the commonwealth of Virginia is a $21.5 billion industry and supports 213,000 jobs.
Hammond feels that if the new Virginia Mountain Region is created, it presents an opportunity to unite like tourism assets. In this new proposed region, Alleghany County would be joined by Bath, Bedford, Botetourt, Craig, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Highland, Montgomery, Pulaski, and Roanoke counties which stretches along the Blue Ridge to Virginia’s Western Highlands. Hammond concluded her presentation by telling the council that she is awaiting letters from the other proposed locations stating whether or not they would be willing to join. Those letters would be sent to the Virginia Tourism Corporation for consideration and adoption of the proposed change.
A similar resolution was approved by the Bath County Board of Supervisors Tuesday night.
This item was immediately put on the agenda by the members of city council and was approved by all members.
City Manager J.B. Broughman gave his report to council. His report consisted of photos showcasing the recently purchased street sweeper in action.
The photos he showed of the street sweeper were those he took while it cleaned the side of the road located at the main gates of MeadWestvaco. There were before pictures of the accumulation of dirt, wood chips, and other debris shown at the side of the road. After pictures were presented of the street sweeper in mid-cleaning and after cleaning was finished.
The council members were complimentary of the improvement of the road courtesy of the new street sweeper. Broughman stated that there was a primary driver of the street sweeper who he said, “Will handle it 95 percent of the time.” There are two public work employees training to drive the street sweeper in case of illness or vacation.
Broughman showed photos of the 701 Locomotive located at Main Street Park after those of the street sweeper. The photos showed how new the locomotive looked compared to how it looked before refurbishments.
Council briefly discussed an ongoing project related to tourism and railroad heritage in the city.
It was suggested that a shelter be constructed to cover the steam locomotive at Main Street Park while restoration work is ongoing.
Vice Mayor Bill Zimmerman suggested that an architectural group from Virginia Tech be asked if they could build a shelter.
In other business, council:
— Approved a proclamation regarding “Extra Mile Day;”
— Tabled review/approval of an emergency operations plan;
— Appointed Wes Walker to the Covington Planning Commission;
— Appointed City Manager J.B. Broughman to the Roanoke Regional Commission;
— Appointed Eric Tyree as a zoning administrator;
— Approved amendments to the city maintenance code;
— Approved first reading of an ordinance regarding a tax exemption for certain rehabilitated residential property;
— Approved first reading of an ordinance regarding exemptions from personal property taxes;
— Approved an appropriation for the street sweeper in the amount of $151,000;
— Approved a resolution regarding participation in the Municipalities Continuing Disclosure Cooperation Initiative.
