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Two area residents receive first Tourism Ambassador recognition
The Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation’s (EDC) Tourism Division is pleased to announce that two area residents have completed requirements to become Certified MHC Tourism Ambassadors. Cody Mills and Carolyn Beale, both of Martinsville, are the first to earn this title.
The MHC Tourism Ambassador program was established in the fall of last year. The goal of the program is to train community ambassadors that can positively represent the Martinsville-Henry County area and promote the many ways to have “fun in record time” here. A series of requirements was developed so that those receiving certification can develop knowledge of area amenities and exceed expectations when interacting and assisting visitors to the community.
Both Mills and Beale worked diligently to complete the steps of the program to become among the first to obtain certification. They earned a certificate and a Martinsville-Henry County lapel pin bearing the MHC Tourism Ambassador rocker.
Mills is a rising senior at Carlisle School and has donated more than 70 hours of volunteer time to the Visitor Center. According to Mills, “The program has opened my eyes to the amenities of our area while allowing me to attain my goals of leadership through volunteer service.” Beale stated that “for many years, I have been a volunteer in the community and I enjoy promoting Martinsville-Henry County to visitors and residents. It is great to receive recognition for something I enjoy doing so much.”
To become a Certified MHC Tourism Ambassador, residents must participate in an orientation session which includes a customer service workshop, attend a familiarization tour of the community, also known as a FAM, fulfill volunteer hours and demonstrate a working knowledge of area amenities and tourism resources. Currently, 10 other area residents are working toward the certification.
Many tourism volunteer opportunities are available such as assisting with area festivals, learning how to lead guided tours of the area, creative writing, photography and aiding visitors to the community at the MHC Visitor Center.
A FAM tour of the community will be offered on August 20th for area tourism businesses and those seeking certification.
For more information on the program, or to begin your MHC Tourism Ambassador training, contact Heather Hoffman, Visitor Services Coordinator, at hhoffman@yesmartinsville.com or276.403.5948. You can also learn more information online at http://www.visitmartinsville.com/tourism-ambassador.