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A message from Jack Berry

President & CEO, Richmond Region Tourism

Jack bumpDear valued partner,

I wanted you to be among the first to know of my decision to retire from my position as president of Richmond Region Tourism at the end of June.   

Serving in this capacity has been the honor of my life, made all the richer by the incredible support from leaders across the region as well as a team at RRT who brings extraordinary talent, energy and creativity with them to work every day for the last 31 years.

Together, we have accomplished a great many things, like the passage of the Tourism Improvement District and the launch of the Speaks for Itself campaign last year – and so much more along the way. I share this legacy with the talented and dedicated professionals at RRT. They are the best in the business.

Of course, what has made so much of that possible — and frankly, our jobs much easier — has been the blossoming of our region over the past quarter-century in particular.  We are blessed to have such incredible assets thanks to the hard work of so many people.

KO bumpAnd, now for some great news I’m thrilled to share with you: Richmond Region Tourism’s board of directors has named Katherine O’Donnell, executive vice president and 22-year veteran of Richmond Region Tourism as my successor. She starts as CEO and president on July 1, and the organization couldn’t be in better hands.

While I can look back with pride in our success, I know that this work is far from done, and I know great things are ahead for the region in the years to come.

I am deeply grateful for having had the chance to serve the region in this way, for the friendships engendered along the way and for the opportunity to call the Richmond Region home. 

Sincerely,

Jack

TEAM WITH US TO HELP REPRESENT OUR REGION

At Richmond Region Tourism, we know that attracting and supporting visitors is something every person in our region does. Whether you’re working in a hotel or restaurant, inviting family and friends to visit or simply offering a visitor directions, you are tourism – because you’re helping to drive an industry that boosts our economy every day.

Each year, the Richmond region attracts 16.9 million visitors who spend $2.9 billion on local lodging, dining, shopping, entertainment, recreational activities and transportation. But before visitors come here, they have to know we are here. And that's the job of Richmond Region Tourism. In partnership with the local community, our team is busy booking meetings, conventions and tournaments, generating press, welcoming visitors, working with restaurants and producing compelling, trip-motivating marketing content.

You, too, can be part of the team that promotes tourism in the Richmond region. You can:

- Sign up for the I Am Tourism Ambassador program, with free training for those who want to represent our region. Businesses who benefit from tourism are encouraged to invite their staff to participate.

- Use our Richmond Region Connect web portal to connect your business with travelers, meeting and event planners and Richmond Region Tourism staff. Get started!

- Promote your services directly to your desired audience as a Partner of Richmond Region Tourism. Contact us and learn more about how we can work together.

- From all of us at Richmond Region Tourism, thanks for all you do to promote our amazing region. We are tourism – and you are, too!

Jack Berry
President and CEO