Today’s CVB Chili Cook-Off at the VBCC was a delicious affair. Thanks to all the Chili Gourmands who made their way over. And thank you, especially, to the chili chefs!
Chili Madness
VB #1 Southern DMO according to Groups Today Magazine!
CLICK HERE to check it out!
Jim Ricketts Honored at Industry Awards
At the inaugural Ordinary Awards in Richmond this week, late CVB Director Jim Ricketts was granted a posthumous lifetime achievement award for 42 years of service to Virginia’s travel and tourism industry. A program developed by the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association (VRLTA), these awards highlight the best of the best in the hospitality industry across the state. The Golden Pineapple Lifetime Achievement Award is VRLTA’s highest honor and is given to an individual who has consistently shown exemplary service to the VRLTA and the industry. Jim’s longtime friend and colleague Rita McClenny, President/CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation, presented the award following her remarks heralding Jim as a giant and champion for the hospitality industry. A moving video highlighting Jim’s career rounded out Rita’s tribute. Two longtime members of Jim’s CVB team, Brande Rumpf and Ron Kuhlman, accepted the award on behalf of Jim’s family who were unable to attend. Another fitting tribute to Jim during the ceremony was the renaming of one of the top awards in his honor: the DMO/CVB Employee of the Year Award will now be known as the Jim Ricketts Award for DMO/CVB Employee of the Year. A full list of the winners will be soon be posted on VRLTA’s website: www.vrlta.org
A member of our CVB family needs our help!
VIC Assistant, Shellie Shallis (pictured: right), lives in Windsor Woods and was forced from her home by the devastating impacts of Hurricane Matthew. She is currently living in her family camper with 5 other adults who were also impacted, where they are only able to use the bathroom in the house for showers. Thankfully, Shellie has flood insurance so the house is being repaired, but restoration is expected to take 2-4 months.
For food, Shellie uses an outside grill and is forced to stop at the grocery store every other day since she has no storage space.
What can we do to help?
What: Donations of Food and Cash will be accepted for Shellie and her family
- Canned Fruit and Vegetables (low sodium)
- Mac and cheese, soups, noodles and other non-perishables
- Bottled water (16oz. and gallon)
- Gift Cards (Kroger, Harris Teeter, Food Lion)
- Cash
Where: Donations can be given to Brande Rumpf, in the Town Bank Building, or Scott Warren, in the Visitor Information Center
When: Tuesday, October 25 – Friday, November 11
VB on TripAdvisor
This week, the CVB’s TripAdvisor account was filled with reviews embracing our friendly people, impressive history, great shopping and dining options, even a shout out for the jets!
Here are just a few:
“nice day trip”
We were quite impressed the display of world war 2 planes . It made for a nice history lesson. There were plenty of people to answer any questions you might have.
Visited October 2016
“ the shopping”
great stores to shop in all located in walking distance of hotels and great variety of restaurants. The board walk is beautiful and the beach is clean. Always something to do there.
Visited October 2016
“Great Beach Trip”
Great place to visit. It was a little crowded, but we were around friendly people. It was a good time to visit too, we picked a great time to go. It was really cool to see all the jets flying overhead. The Boardwalk is very convenient to the beach, and the beach was kept very clean. Just a fantastic time!
Visited October 2016
“Vacation ”
Beautiful clean beach friendly and safe environment. Different water sports to play of your choices, music, food.
Visited August 2016
VTC Sandbridge Photoshoot
Hanging out with VTC at Little island park for Virginia is for lovers commercial shoot. At Back Bay, watch out for cottonmouth snakes!!
CVB Team Donates Toiletries to Hurricane Matthew Recovery Center
Given the plight of many VB residents following Matthew, the CVB has chipped in with a donation of hotel toiletries to the Bow Creek recovery center. Way to go, team!
Prsa hr conference
Tiffany and Teresa learn about crisis communications and the Flint water crisis at the PSA Hampton Roads annual conference.
AAA/CAA Fam
Check out this great shot from the recent AAA/CAA Fam, which Tourism recently hosted a group from across the USA and Canada.
HELP OUR COMMUNITY CLEAN UP AFTER HURRICANE MATTHEW
Listed below are two organizations who are assisting the city with cleanup operations in homes that were flooded across the city, but are in desperate need of volunteers to assist with Muck and Gut.*
OPERATION BLESSING – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
Volunteers meet at CBN: 8:00 AM Registration & 8:30 AM Orientation
Monday – Saturday
Volunteers, please wear rubber boots and long pants for safety reasons.
CBN Corporate Support Building
977 Centerville Turnpike, Virginia Beach, VA 23463
Want to Help: 757.284.9183
https://www.ob.org/volunteer/join-now/
TEAM RUBICON – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
Mornings beginning 10/18/2016
Time: Daily. Report in no later than 0745
Location: Back parking lot of Calvary Baptist Church. 4832 Haygood Rd, Virginia Beach, VA, 23455. Rally at the Team Rubicon sign.
What to wear: Work site appropriate clothes.
TEAM RUBICON will start taking in volunteers on Tuesday, 10/18/2016.
*Muck and Gut- Muck and Gut entails removing flooring material, carpeting, carrying out all furniture and unattached furnishings and removing drywall to 1 foot above the waterline. Questions? Call (757) 385-3111.