Bradbury elected chairman of Tourism Advisory Council
Brooks Bradbury, general manager of Primland's hospitality division, was elected chairman of the Patrick County Tourism Advisory Council June 22.
Other officers are musician Mary Jo Leet, vice chairman; artisan Leslie Shelor, secretary; and Jeanie Puckett of Doe Run Farm, treasurer.
Charlotte Gardner, outgoing chairman, said the Tourism Advisory Council organized 26 months earlier. The council approved a strategic plan and completed the "Hospitality Book," which gives information about dining, lodging, and attractions in Patrick County, Gardner said.
"It is because of this group that the Mayo River Rail Trail has come back into focus," Gardner said. The council has also supported the renovation of the covered bridges in Woolwine, the Angel Overlook on Squirrel Spur Road, and the Crooked Road and 'Round the Mountain music and crafts initiatives, she said.
Now the council is on the verge of completing a brochure spotlighting the 'Round the Mountain Artisan Loop in Patrick County, Gardner said.
"We've kept tourism in the limelight to the administration and supervisors, when tourism was not their priority," she said. "You've all done a fine job."
Leets thanked Gardner for all her hard work on behalf of the council.
County Administrator Jay Scudder, a visitor at the meeting, said, "I think you all are doing a wonderful job. The whole county benefits from it."
Blue Ridge District Supervisor Karl Weiss, the board's representative on the TAC, agreed, saying the work of the council "inspires me tremendously."
The next TAC meeting will be held at 4 p.m. Monday, July 27.