Look what they are saying about Jim!

At a recent AAA/CAA FAM Tour, over 28 agents visited Virginia Beach and the survey scores ranged High, especially for Jim Coggin, look what they had to say about the great job he did.  And behind every successful fam is a team who supports the effort, a big thank you to Audra and Lorri.

  • Jim was an amazing guide, he is professional, funny and just perfect for that job!
  • Keep Jim Coggin in his position as long as he is able, most excellent tour guide/planner.
  • I think Jim did an outstanding job planning the event. I got a real feel for what VA Beach has to offer. Additionally, I think the reps for each of the hotels, restaurants & attractions were the best very passionate about their respective properties and/or attractions.
  • Jim did an awesome job. Everything was very well organized and planned. Had an amazing time.
  • This tour was absolutely informative and captivating all the way through.
  • Keep up the great work.
  • I can’t wait to send my clients down there and visit myself.
  • Jim was incredible.
  • Made everyone feel welcomed and kept the FAM fun the whole time.
  • I had such a WONDERFUL time!  Jim was amazing and he is awesome at his job.  He always made us feel comfortable.

 

VBCC Staff Recognized as Energy Champions!

Kudos to All!

Convention Center Staff were recognized last month at the City of Virginia Beach Energy Awards – taking 2nd place for their efforts to reduce overall energy consumption and a successful electricity load shedding test.  In fact CPower energy management paid VBCC $14,714 for their energy efficiency efforts this year.  (We are set to earn even more next year!)

Keith Bernstein also received an Honorable Mention award for his efforts to monitor events in the building – always aware of spaces in use, activity, attendee level, and keeping up with open doors, lighting, and air conditioning.  He is also a recycling champion, doing “anything he can do to help save energy and save costs for our building.”

Thank you all for your ongoing efforts!

 

BTW – the 1st place Energy Champion winner was Kyle Coolbaugh from the Department of Public Works.  He won for his work auditing streetlight billing using GIS.  Anticipated savings from his work is expected to exceed $30,000.

Distinctive Gourmet Plant-Based Menu

On November 13th Sentara Heart & Vascular held a ‘Nutrition as Medicine’ event at the VBCC with nearly 1,000 registrants. With widespread chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, Sentara recognizes that many of these diseases can often be linked to our diets. Through this event, their goal was to share insights to help you take control of your life through nutrition. The whole food, plant-based lifestyle can help us to avoid and even reverse many chronic diseases. Some of the most prestigious and influential medical professionals in the world were invited to discuss their beliefs on the topic.

At the client’s request, Our Executive Chef Desiree Neal created a 100% plant-based menu for the event, even down to the dessert! (see photo attached)

Items featured on the buffet included:

Chickpea and Sweet Potatoes Curry
Caribbean Jerk Cauliflower
Rice & Peas
Baked Plantains
Quinoa Pineapple Citrus Salad
Vegan Chocolate Mousse

 

The menu was very well received as the client raved “In particular, people LOVED the food and I have about 50 emails this morning from people requesting the recipes! The catering really was top notch!”

 

Congrats to Chef Desiree and team for always accepting a challenge and a job well done!

Employee Spotlight-Mark Stokes

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  1. Employee name: Mark Stokes
  2. Where were you born and where is your hometown? Born in Norfolk, grew up in Birmingham AL and now live in Virginia Beach
  3. What division and position do you work for?  VBCC, Housekeeping/Set-up
  4. How many years have you worked for the CVB? 1 1/2years
  5. How many years have you worked for the City of VA Beach? 7
  6. What is the best vacation you’ve been on? Hawaii
  7. What is your favorite thing to do in the wonderful City of Virginia Beach? Check out different restaurants
  8. What is your favorite quote? Don’t have one
  9. Do you have an office nickname? If so what is it? Don’t have one
  10. Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us: see answer #14
  11. What do you like to do for fun? Go to the movies, shows, games, and sleep
  12. What is one thing you cannot resist? Chocolate of any kind
  13. What is on your bucket list? Going to every baseball stadium in the Country
  14. What is your hidden talent? I can juggle

 

Employee Spotlight – Vick Olds

  1. Employee name: Vick Olds
  2. Where were you born and where is your hometown? Born in Virginia Beach and hometown is The Historic Seatack area.
  3. What division and position do you work for?  VBCC (Abacus), Housekeeping and Set-up
  4. How many years have you worked for the CVB? 3 as an Abacus employee
  5. How many years have you worked for the City of VA Beach? retired after 36 years with the Virginia Beach School system
  6. What is the best vacation you’ve been on? Hawaii and a cruise to the Bahamas.
  7. What is your favorite thing to do in the wonderful City of Virginia Beach? Swimming at the beach and taking a stroll on the Oceanfront.
  8. What is your favorite quote? Everything is going to be alright
  9. Do you have an office nickname? If so what is it? Vick the Great.
  10. Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us: I’m a graduate of the First Colonial High School, church going person and I like working at the VBCC having a good time with co-workers, friends and family.
  11. What do you like to do for fun? Bowling, Shopping, Traveling.
  12. What is one thing you cannot resist? Strawberry Cheesecake.
  13. What is on your bucket list? A vacation in Europe, London, Paris.
  14. What is your hidden talent? No hidden talent.

 

Blog Posts Published This Week (10/26/18)

Here are a few blog posts that were published on the Visit Virginia Beach Blog and Meetings Blog this week. Please feel free to share these with your clients or on your own social media channels.

4 Ways to See Dolphins in Virginia Beach

Halloween Fun You Won’t Want to Miss Near Virginia Beach

7 Virginia Beach Wine Bars you Won’t Want to Miss

7 Places to Celebrate National Chocolate Day in Virginia Beach

8 Family-Friendly Trails in Virginia Beach