Blog
New MHC Tourism Ambassadors Named
The Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation’s (EDC) Tourism Division is pleased to announce that two more area residents have completed requirements to become Certified MHC Tourism Ambassadors. Tilisa Riddle, Marketing Director for Blue Ridge Village, and Jennifer Gregory, Administrative Assistant with Henry County, are the newest recipients of this title.
The Certified MHC Tourism Ambassador program was established in the fall of last year and is designed 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.
While the program’s primary intent is to create ambassadors that can positively represent Martinsville-Henry County and the various amenities here, members of the program also find it to be a very rewarding volunteer opportunity. According to Gregory, “The program has renewed my interest in the area and I’m looking forward to sharing it with people I meet at work and in the community”.
To become a Certified MHC Tourism Ambassador for Martinsville-Henry County, 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 tour, fulfill volunteer hours and demonstrate a working knowledge of area amenities and tourism resources. Currently, 16 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.
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.