Kyle Lovern | Daily News
Bill Richardson, standing in the back, is shown talking to member of the Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce about the impact the Hatfield-McCoy mini-series has had on the local tourism industry.
Kyle lovern
Sports Editor
GOODY, Ky. — The Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce (TVCC) held its regular monthly meeting Monday at the Thoroughbred Steakhouse located at the Southside Mall.
Chamber President Charley McCoy reported that he is still working on getting a speaker for the 80th Anniversary Gala/Banquet. It is tentatively scheduled for April 13. That date could change if a speaker is schedule and will only be available on a certain date.
Chamber Director Natalie Young told the members present that the artifacts found at the McCoy cabin site by the National Geographic show “Diggers.” Archaeologists found bullet, glass fragments and other items on their search of the property this past summer.
Young also asked Chamber business members to start hosing Business After Hours events in the coming months. This is something that was done in the past, but has seen a downturn in recent years.
Bill Richardson gave the TVCC an update on the number of tourists and the dollar amount he estimated has been brought into the region. Many of the tourists come to Williamson and the surrounding area.
Many of them also stay or visit the Logan County and Pike County area. Some of the tourists stay in Pikeville where there are more hotels and restaurants.
Regardless, the Hatfield-McCoy Mini Series has brought the area a lot of free publicity and it has helped increase tourism in the Tug Valley area.
The Tourism Committee “Paint the Town with Pigs” have been delivered. This is a special promotion that the committee is planning. More will be released about this project at a future date.
Kermit resident and chamber member Byron “Windy” Thornton spoke briefly about the need for the chamber to have its Transportation Committee to become active again. Thornton said many of our local roadways need repair, especially U.S. Rt. 52. The chamber members also discussed the need for better litter control in all areas.
It was noted that there seems to be even more litter and trash lining our local roadways. This is an eyesore, especially for an area trying to promote and attract tourists. The Chamber hopes to encourage school groups, organizations, civic clubs and the county governments of both Pike and Mingo County to work on this problem. It was noted that Mingo County plans to have a county-wide cleanup day in the spring.
Tug Valley Road Runners Club president David Hatfield said he expects more runners ever for his annual marathon which will be held Saturday, June 9th. He said registration is up “150 percent” from last year. There were 577 runners last year for the 5-K, half marathon and full marathon.
Hatfield said anyone who would like to rent a room or rooms, or even a camper to the tourists and runners coming to town should contact the club.
Local artist Vera Kay Hankins brought in her latest drawing on the Ranel McCoy cabin. She is also repainting the inside of the restaurant with a Hatfield-McCoy theme.
Post a Comment
