THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Wednesday, July 26, 1995               TAG: 9507250132
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN    PAGE: 06   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: BY ALLISON T. WILLIAMS, STAFF WRITER 
DATELINE: SMITHFIELD                         LENGTH: Short :   42 lines

GOVERNOR PROMOTES TOURISM DURING HIS VISIT TO SMITHFIELD

Gov. George Allen was in town for serious business - promoting the state's $9.3 billion tourism industry.

But the mood was light, casual and upbeat at the July 14 ceremony where Allen recognized Isle of Wight County's graduation from the Virginia Tourism Accreditation Program. Allen presented awards to Diane Howard, the county's tourism director, and to representatives from the Board of Supervisors and Smithfield and Windsor town councils.

During his brief visit to Smithfield, Allen took time to chat and be photographed with many of the three dozen citizens who attended the ceremony on the back lawn of the Isle of Wight Visitors Center. Between visiting, Allen munched on the Smithfield ham biscuits and iced tea served by tourism volunteers.

Before departing, Allen even got his own spur-of-the-moment tour of the historic town. Smithfield resident Ed Sommers, whose wife is a tourism volunteer, asked Allen to pose with him for a photograph next to Sommers' 1939 Packard.

After the picture was taken, Allen asked for a ride in the antique automobile. In the end, Allen, Sommers and two of Allen's state officials took a spin down the historic waterfront community's tree-lined streets.

Allen's stop in Smithfield was just one of many he has made during his tour across Virginia. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photos by JOHN H. SHEALLY II

Gov. George Allen rolled into Smithfield in a motorhome to promote

tourism.

Allen talks with Smithfield resident Bob Sommers about his 1939

Packard, in which the governor had a ride.

by CNB