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Friends of Southwest Virginia details 2026 priorities, including PBS campaign and workforce training
Summary
Catherine Fox of Friends of Southwest Virginia presented a multi-part 2026 Priority Initiative at the Patrick County retreat, listing statewide marketing with PBS Appalachia, VisitSWVA.org redevelopment, a national market research study, outdoor recreation business recruitment, and workforce training among priorities.
Catherine Fox, representing Friends of Southwest Virginia, presented the organization's 2026 Priority Initiative at the Patrick County Tourism Advisory Council retreat and walked attendees through a PowerPoint of planned programs and partnerships. The slide deck lists a statewide photography and videography campaign with PBS Appalachia, redevelopment of VisitSWVA.org, microsites for tourism businesses, and a national market research and visitor sentiment study.
Fox also described initiatives focused on the creative economy — including an asset inventory and a proposed 10-year Creative Economy Master Plan — and partnerships with the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation and the Blue Ridge Rising Partnership. James (Chair) noted the council is working to implement workforce training county-wide to raise awareness, linking the Friends’ workforce proposals to local execution. No funding or formal commitments specific to Patrick County were recorded during the retreat.
The Friends’ presentation emphasizes marketing, research, and workforce development as complementary strategies to attract visitors and support local tourism businesses. Council members did not take a formal vote on any of the Friends’ items at the retreat.
