-Rahall: "Tourism in West Virginia Creates Jobs"-

U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) met today with local leaders from West Virginia's Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVB) to discuss local tourism projects in southern West Virginia. "In my ongoing goal of creating more jobs and increasing the economic wealth in our area, I have focused much of my attention on the tourism industry and what it can do for our State," said Rahall.

"I am a firm believer that tourism, along with transportation and technology, are the keys to the future of economic opportunities and new jobs in southern West Virginia," Rahall continued. "These form what I call the ‘Three T's' and my meeting today with some of our tourism leaders helped me ensure I know the important details of our ongoing tourism projects and activities."

Today, in his Washington DC office, Rahall met with Kimberly Cooper of the Greenbrier County CVB, Gerry Krueger of the Cabell-Huntington CVB, Doug Maddy of Southern West Virginia CVB, and Beverly Wellman of the Mercer County CVB. Also meeting with the Congressman today about tourism was Liz Chewning, State Travel Director, and Betty Carver, Commissioner of Tourism, both of the West Virginia Division of Tourism, as well as Michael Stephenson of Best Western.

"West Virginians can be sure that I will continue to work side-by-side with the Convention and Visitors Bureau's across the State to ensure that our tourism projects advance and make a positive impact on our economy," said Rahall.

"We are here today to say thank you to Congressman Rahall," said Cooper. "He has done a tremendous job for West Virginia tourism, especially along the I-64 technology corridor. Congressman Rahall's efforts have allowed areas of West Virginia to have broadband internet access, some of which may never have received the access without his help. His hard work has opened up areas for new tourism opportunities, which West Virginia sorely needs."

In addition to the tourism projects, the Executive Directors and Rahall also discussed the upcoming Transportation Bill, of which Rahall is a leader in crafting. Rahall concluded, "Getting the Transportation Bill passed will bring money to our state to help make our roads safer and more accessible, thus improving the tourism industry along the way." The Congressman pointed out that the Three T's are connected and crucial to the West Virginia economy and job atmosphere.

Note: Please find two photos taken today with the following caption below: Congressman Rahall meets with local CVB Directors Tuesday in his Washington DC office.


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From left to right are: Michael Stephenson of Best Western; Kimberly Cooper, Greenbrier County CVB; Congressman Rahall; Beverly Wellman, Mercer County CVB; and Gerry Krueger, Cabell-Huntington CVB.


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From left to right are: Betty Carver, Commissioner of Tourism of the West Virginia Division of Tourism; Congressman Rahall; Liz Chewning, State Travel Director of the West Virginia Division of Tourism; Doug Maddy, Southern West Virginia CVB."