Pulaski County Receives $10,000 Grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation “50 Years of Love” Program Marketing Fund
~Grant fund established to help celebrate 50th anniversary of the “Virginia is for Lovers” tourism slogan~
Pulaski County announced Friday that it has received a $10,000 grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) “50 Years of Love” grant fund. “50 Years of Love” is part of VTC’s efforts to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the “Virginia is for Lovers” tourism slogan, which was created in 1969 by Richmond-based advertising agency Martin & Woltz.
Pulaski County has partnered with Al’s on First, Blue Ridge Fudge Lady, Claytor Lake State Park, Draper Community Park, Draper Village, Fine Arts Center, Gatewood Park, Iron Heart Winery, Mountain 2 Island Paddleboard Company, Pete Dye River Course, Pulaski County American Evolution, Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce, Pulaski Theatre, Pulaski Yankees and Rockhouse Marina to highlight 50 years of Pulaski County Tourism.
“‘Virginia is for Lovers’ is one of the most iconic tourism slogans in the world, and we are thrilled to be celebrating fifty years of LOVE with partners from around the Commonwealth in 2019,” said Rita McClenny, president and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation. “This grant program provides an engaging opportunity for destinations across the state to showcase what makes a vacation in Virginia so special, and helps to show travelers why Virginia is for Lovers still rings true fifty years later.”
“Pulaski County is…Where the LOVE is. Pulaski County is proud of what we contribute to the tourism industry and are excited to be a part of the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s “50 Years of Love” in 2019. Through Pulaski County’s “ Where’s the Love” promotion we will spotlight 50 years of the County’s outdoor recreation, history, sports and more at the same time engaging the community. Watch for “Where’s the Love” with a kick off May 24th with an Outdoor Expo at Claytor Lake,” said Peggy White, Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Pulaski County D.M.O.
In total, VTC awarded $300,000 to 30 tourism marketing programs across the Commonwealth to help increase visitation and revenue. Each grant recipient received a $10,000 grant for its 50 Years of Love project, with the requirement of engaging 10 or more tourism partners in order to receive grant funding.
The Virginia Tourism Corporation is the state agency responsible for marketing Virginia to visitors and promoting the “Virginia is for Lovers” brand, which is celebrating 50 years in 2019. Tourism is an instant revenue generator in Virginia. In 2017, visitors spent $25 billion, which supported 232,000 jobs and contributed $1.73 billion in state and local taxes.
About Virginia is for Lovers
50 years after its creation, “Virginia is for Lovers” continues to be one of the most recognizable and iconic tourism slogans of all time. “Virginia is for Lovers” was inducted into the Madison Avenue Advertising Walk of Fame on September 21, 2009. The slogan was included in the Advertising Icon Museum alongside fellow 2009 inductees, the AOL Running Man, the Budweiser Clydesdales, and State Farm’s “Like a Good Neighbor, State Farm is There.” This recognition came on the heels of Forbes.com tapping “Virginia is for Lovers” as one of the top ten tourism marketing campaigns of all time. Today, a new generation is discovering love for Virginia’s mountains, beaches, history, theme parks, vibrant cities, outdoor activities, sports and hospitality.
For more information about 50 Years of Love, please visit https://www.vatc.org/50YEARSOFLOVE/
For more information and to plan your next vacation in Virginia, please visit www.virginia.org.
