Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, February 27, 1991 TAG: 9102270171
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: DUBLIN LENGTH: Medium
"We're hoping within 60 days," said John Stone, general manager of the Comfort Inn where the center will be.
This is a project of the new Pulaski County Hotel, Restaurant and Hospitality Association and the county Chamber of Commerce. The association - to be known informally as the Pulaski County HOSTS Association - is recruiting members and volunteer center staff.
"We need to have every business and individual, every group or organization with a stake in bringing more people to Pulaski County, to join with us as charter members," Stone said.
Member businesses will provide volunteers to take turns manning the center, "which also gives them the opportunity to visit with some of the 40,000 to 50,000 people who come through here at the peak season each month," Stone said.
"The inn is not able to staff and run such a center on its own," he said. "Frankly, if those of us with a stake in tourism cannot make it work, the project is highly questionable anyway. But the immediate reaction of those at our first meeting, and others we've talked with, shows tremendous interest and support."
Materials will be placed in the center to promote county businesses and attractions, as well as some from other parts of the state.
The county Board of Supervisors voted Monday night to ask the state Department of Transportation to place signs on Interstate 81 directing motorists to the center.
The Comfort Inn, just off the interstate at Dublin Exit 32, will pay for the signs and provide center space, County Administrator Joseph N. Morgan said. Morgan, who also is chamber president, said the goal is to have the center open seven days a week, midmorning until late afternoon.
The idea originated with Stone, temporary vice chairman of the new tourism association, and Bob Thomas of Claytor Lake Homestead Inn, temporary chairman.
They and people from other travel-related businesses in Pulaski County were concerned about the announced closing of Virginia's welcome centers on interstates because of the state's revenue shortage. The state now plans to leave the welcome centers open, but with smaller staffs.
"We're going to go ahead with ours in addition to the state. We just feel that the area needs the additional exposure," Stone said Tuesday.
The county welcome center, in space the motel previously rented for offices, will be recarpeted and an awning will be placed over its separate entrance.
For more information, call Stone at 980-0201.
by CNB