Greenbrier County CVB Wins STS Shining Example Award

Lewisburg, WV (November 14, 2012) - The Greenbrier County Convention & Visitors Bureau's video, "Welcome to the Greenbrier Valley," has received the Southeast Tourism Society Shining Example Award for Visual Excellence. Kara Dense, Executive Director of the Greenbrier County CVB, accepted the award at the Southeast Tourism Society's Fall Forum in Virginia Beach on November 1st. The entry was one of seventeen in the category.

"This video is a true testament to the beauty of the Greenbrier Valley," said Kara Dense. "From the participants involved in making the video, to the story that it tells, the project captured the extraordinary qualities of the Greenbrier Valley, and we are proud to be recognized among our peers for it."

From attractions, to fairs and festivals, to activities, to the storied and world-renowned Greenbrier resort, more than 120 locations throughout Greenbrier County were included in the video. Additionally, nearly 200 locals participated in the project acting as models or providing voiceovers and testimonials. The final touch to truly showcase Greenbrier County's rich heritage was the music provided by musicians exclusively from the Greenbrier Valley.

"Shining Example Awards highlight some of the best work in travel and tourism, and winners truly set examples that others in the industry can follow," said STS President and CEO Bill Hardman. "Showcasing great work is important because tourism is the largest, second-largest or third-largest industry in every Southeastern state."

The final video is posted to the CVB website and YouTube Channel, and is dubbed to run on a loop for destination and group travel trade shows. Additionally, the footage is used as b-roll for commercials and promotions for group tour planners.

In December 2011, the Greenbrier County CVB hosted a premiere for the video hosting industry partners and friends to view the final product. The 7-month project was directed and produced by local videographers Russell Williams and Annamarie Visclosky.

For more information about the video, please contact the CVB at 304-645-1000.

About the Greenbrier County Convention & Visitors Bureau:
The CVB's mission is to strive each day to positively impact the area's economy by marketing the region as a premier tourist destination. The Greenbrier Valley is the second most visited region in the state with 1.3 million visitors annually making an economic impact of more than $181 million.

About the Southeast Tourism Society:
Founded in 1983, the Southeast Tourism Society is dedicated to the promotion and development of tourism to its 12 member states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Membership includes state travel offices, attractions, hotels, motels, resorts, convention and visitors bureaus, transportation companies, newspapers, magazines and other travel-related organizations.