Volume 4, Number 7 Monday, March 26, 2007
 
Chester County feature

Foundation Grants top Four million Dollars

The Visitors Bureau Foundation Grant program has just reached a milestone. Recently funds were released to put the program over the four million dollar mark.  The program, introduced in 2000, awards matching grants to non-profit Chester County attractions for capital projects, events and marketing plans aimed at attracting visitors to the county. The Visitors Bureau Foundation administers the program with an appointed committee to review and award grants. The Foundation is funded by the county hotel tax and donations from individuals and corporations.  "The grant program is a great vehicle to preserve and expand the tourism product in Chester County", according to Jesse Walters, Visitors Bureau President.  "Chester County continues to be a world-class tourist destination.  The hotel community has been enjoying record occupancy and ADR and that is our ultimate goal."  For more information on the Visitors Bureau Foundation and its Grant Program contact Nina Kelly, Director of Communications/Foundation Grant Administrator at 610-719-1730 or Nina@cccvb.org.

Visitors Bureau Foundation Grant recipient, West Chester Railroad Heritage Association.
Bureau chat

PACVB Annual Travel & Tourism Legislative Dinner- Chester County was well represented  at the Annual Legislative DInner in Harrisburg on March 13th.  Legislators in attendance were; Senator Michael Brubaker and Senator Edwin Erikson as well as Representative Stephen Barrar, Representative Tim Hennessey , Representative Barbara McIlvaine - Smith, Representative Carole Rubley and Representative Art Hershey. Special thanks to board members; Dawn Dowling, Brandywine River Museum, Chair;  Michelle Jennings, Longwood Gardens, Vice Chair; Marlene Robinson, QVC and Tom Basol, The Inn at Chester Springs for attending and supporting the event. The Inn at Chester Springs was also represented by Hank McPartland, Director of Sales and QVC Studio Tours by Larry Denney, Studio Park Marketing Specialist.  Visitor Bureau staff Jesse Walters, President; Greg Edevane, Vice President, Sales and Marketing; Nina Kelly, Director of Communications and Pam Baffoni, Sales Manager also attended. Thanks to all for supporting tourism in Chester County.

Meeting Show leads - Greg Edevane, Vice President, Sales and Marketing recently attended two meeting tradeshows.  Destinations Showcase in Washington, D.C. and PASAE in Harrisburg.  The leads and contacts generated from these two shows have been sent out to members interested in the meetings market.  If you did not receive them or have any questions, please contact Greg at 610-719-1730 or Greg@cccvb.org.

 

 

Spring Membership Mixer this week

Don't miss our annual spring membership mixer Thursday, March 29th from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Simon Pearce on the Brandywine, 1333 Lenape Road, West Chester.

Network with members and friends while overlooking the beautiful Brandywine River.  The cost is $8.00 and includes hors d' oeuvres and two drink tickets. 

Door prizes include a gift certificate for dinner for two at Simon Pearce and two Simon Pearce wine glasses. Special discounts for the retail shop will also be available that evening. 

If you have not already responded, please RSVP to Jan Reeps, Director of Membership/Visitors Center Director at 610-719-1730 or Jan@cccvb.org. 

Simon Pearce demonstrating the art of glassblowing
Member in the spotlight
Holiday Inn, Brandywine becomes Quality Inn & Suites, Wilmington
Quality Inn and Suites, Wilmington
The Holiday Inn, Brandywine is undergoing a million dollar renovation and has joined Choice Hotels as a Quality Inn & Suites as of March 26, 2007. The renovation will include thirteen completely new suites featuring plush bedding, 32 inch flat screen televisions,fireplaces, whirlpool tubs and more.  In addition the hotel will be refurbishing all the guest rooms with new carpets plus wall and window treatments. Owned and operated by Brandywine Hospitality, LLC of Wilmington, DE, the Quality Inn & Suites Wilmington will feature 134 guest rooms and one newly renovated meeting room that can accommodate up to 40 people. The property also boasts the area's largest outdoor pool surrounded by mature landscaped gardens and seasonal flowers. For more information, call 302-478-2222.
Foundation Contributors
New & renewing members

The Visitors Bureau would like to thank the following for their contributions to the CCCVB Foundation:

  • Association for the Colonial Theatre
  • Best Western King of Prussia
  • Brandywine Health Foundation
  • Brandywine Valley Wine Trail
  • Centipede Tours
  • Delaware Art Museum
  • Dilworthtown Inn
  • DNB Bank
  • Doubletree Hotel
  • Gateway Stables
  • Harry's Savoy Grill
  • Holiday Inn Morgantown
  • Iron Hill Brewery
  • Ludwigs Corner Horse Show
  • Natural Lands Trust
  • Thomas Meeting Apartments
  • Today Media
  • Winterthur Museum & Country Estate

Save the date: The CCCVB Foundation will host its first educational luncheon on Friday, April 27 at the Sheraton Great Valley.  Invitations will be mailed out shortly.

New Members

Anson B. Nixon Park   

Park Facility
Chester County Historic Preservation Non-Profit
PA Internet Marketing Marketing
The News Journal Marketing
   
Renewing Members
Bancroft Manor Bed & Breakfast
Best Western King of Prussia Hotel
Brandywine Scenic Byway Non-profit
Coatesville Area Arts Alliance Non-profit
Delaware Art Museum Attraction
DNB Bank Service
Exton Region Chamber of Commerce Service
Gilmore's Restaurant Restaurant
Issac's Restaurant Restaurant
Kennett Square Mushroom Festival Event
Natural Lands Trust Non-profit
Philadelphia Museum of Art Attraction
Simple Pleasures Gallery Retail
Thomas Meeting Apartments Lodging
Walnut Hill Bed & Breakfast Bed & Breakfast
West Chester Railroad Attraction
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate Attraction
Total Members - 343
Same month last year - 336

5 Events in the next 30 days

March 10-September 16 - Winterthur

Quilts in a Material World--Selections from Winterthur's Quilt Collection.More than 40 quilts from the 17th to 19th century.

March 29-September 16 -Chester County Historical Society

A Quilt sampler featuring rare and beautiful quilts from the mid-19th century.

*Both exhibits above highlight the relevance of quilts in the lives and history of their makers.

 

March 31 -American Helicopter Museum

Easter Bunny arrives in a helicopter 11:00AM and 1:30PM. $10.00 includes a photo with the Easter Bunny and a gift from the Museum. Adults, Seniors and children over 12 are $5.00.

April 6,13,20&27Chaddsford Winery

7-9pm, Friday night Spring Wine Tasting's. Informal, walk-around tastings, Spring foods. Reservations, $25/person

 

April 14 -Microtel Inn & Suites at Ice Line -

This family friendly event will feature food, a band and raffle. Proceeds benefit the Children's Welfare Society, supporting overseas orphanages. Tickets, $8.00 adults and $5.00 children, are available at the door. For more information, contact Josh Maxwell at 610-738-9111.

 


For more information on Chester County, please visit our web site
www.brandywinevalley.com
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