Smithfield & Isle of Wight Tourism celebrate National Tourism Month

July 15, 2019

Smithfield & Isle of Wight Tourism celebrated National Tourism Month on May 9th at a breakfast at the Smithfield Center by recognizing those in the community who work diligently in the hospitality industry and contribute to its economic vitality.

Congratulations to our 2019 Hospitality Heroes of the Year: The Genuine Merchants of Downtown Smithfield (Gmod's)!

Special “Hospitality Super Hero” Awards were also presented to: Sonny and Sharon Hines, Bill and Florine Moor, Val Johnson and Smithfield & Isle of Wight Tourism Director, Judy Winslow.

2019 Hospitality Heroes

Nominated by their peers, managers and visitors our heroes are those who offered outstanding customer service to our visitors.

Congratulations:

Dee Campbell – Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce

Leslie Fox – Smithfield Gourmet Bakery

Cristy Gibson – Taste of Smithfield

Betty Jackson – the Smithfield Inn

Sally Cospelich – Beyond Main

Jennifer Jones – Isle of Wight Museum

Patty Pauley – Amerian Laser Arts

Bailey Monnett – Wharf Hill Brewing Company

Sonja McGiboney – Arts Center @ 319

Angie Poland – Fleur de Fou

Vicky Connor – Cockeyed Rooster Cafe

Kim Rangos - Blue Sky Distillery

Dawn Riddle – Mansion on Main B&B

Charlie Smith – Finley’s General Store

Pam Staha – Maggie Casey’s Celtic Treasures

Gayle Speed – The Main Event by Emily

Vero Tucker – When Pigs Fly…Magic Happens

Sherry Savage – Smithfield Station

 

2019 Community Ambassadors

Our Ambassadors supported our local tourism industry and businesses by bringing their meetings, groups & events to town.

Congratulations: 

Jim Abicht – Smithfield Music

Margarita Castillo – Main Street Mile

Matt Moore – Main Street Mile

Mary Cole – Sundays at Four

Elaine Dairo – Friday Night Summer Concert Series

John Edwards – Friday Night Summer Concert Series

Justin Emanuel – Horsepower on Main

Cristin Emrick –6-Pack Run & Hog Jog

Anne Garland – The Nelms House

Suzy Brett – Smithfield Woman’s Club Flea Market

Teresa Frantz - Smithfield Woman’s Club Flea Market

Mary Simmons – Smithfield Woman’s Club Flea Market

Trey Gwaltney – Christmas in Smithfield Antiques Show

Lanny Hinson – Ghosts & Saints Ghost Walk and Court Day

Bill & Betsy Egan – Open Mic Night

Tammy & Lee Harper – Open Mic Night

Jessica Healy– Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce Big Pig Bike Race

Daryl Rankin– Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce Big Pig Bike Race

Gina Ippolito – Smithfield VA Events

Randy Pack – Smithfield VA Events

Smithfield Little Theatre (Kristen Marchant)

Elizabeth Moose – Toys for Tots

Michael Murphy – Optimist Run and Chilly Bob Roadrace

Tracey Neikirk – Isle of Wight County Museum

Kathy Peterson – YMCA Sprint

Charles Seward – Volksmarch

Smithfield Lions Club – Cruz-In Car Shows

 

2019 Hambassador

Our Hambassador Program offers employees and volunteers in the tourism industry the opportunity to learn about local attractions and the tourism bureau by taking a familiarization tour and an online customer service training course. Congratulations Brooke Winslow!

Tourism staff Kathy Mountjoy, Deb Frank and Bill Hanlon entertained attendees at the breakfast. In celebration of the "Virginia is for Lovers" slogan's 50th anniversary, they took us back in time to 1969 with a special rendition of "If you're going to San Francisco" rewritten by Bill "Foxboy Bill" for Smithfield!