Lewisburg, WV (February 7, 2014) - The Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is seeking votes for the "Best of the Greenbrier Valley" contest which gets underway today, February 7th.
All are invited to cast a vote for their favorite Greenbrier Valley attraction, lodging property, retail shop, restaurant and event.
"When people make the choice to travel to the Greenbrier Valley, it makes an enormous impact on our local economy," said Kara Dense, Executive Director of the Greenbrier County CVB. "Our tourism partners work every day to welcome those visitors into our area, and we want to shine the spotlight on the significant contribution that they make. We're asking everyone to show their support by casting a vote."
The contest, which runs February 7th through April 4th, will culminate on Thursday, May 8th as winners are announced at an evening reception at the Visitors Center. The event, which will include refreshments, entertainment and an awards reception, is intended to celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week scheduled for May 3rd through 11th. The event is also being held in conjunction with the Greater Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce's Business After Hours.
National Travel and Tourism Week is annually designated by Congress to show the impact that tourism makes on the economy. In the Greenbrier Valley, 1.3 million visitors are welcomed annually, making an economic impact of more than $243 million. The Greenbrier Valley is the second most visited region in the state.
Beginning February 7th, votes may be cast by logging onto the CVB's website at www.greenbrierwv.com/BestofGBV or by completing a form at the Visitors Center. One entry is allowed per name and email address.
Those who vote will be registered to win a Best of the Greenbrier Valley Prize Pack comprised of items from last year's winning businesses. Those winners were:
Best Attraction: Winner: The Greenbrier and Runner Up: Carnegie Hall
Best Lodging Property: Winner: The Greenbrier and Runner Up: The Historic General Lewis Inn
Best Restaurant: Winner: Food & Friends and Runner Up: Stardust Café
Best Retail Shop: Winner: Harmony Ridge Gallery and Runners Up (Tie): Aggie's, Something Sweet, Something Country and Wolf Creek Gallery
Best Event: Winner: Taste of Our Towns and Runner Up: State Fair of West Virginia
For more information, visit www.greenbrierwv.com or call 304-645-1000. The Greenbrier Valley Visitors Center is located at 200 West Washington Street, Lewisburg.
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 and an economic impact of more than $243 million.