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Virginia Capitol Connections , Winter 2013 5
match the time frame of any setting work together
for filmmakers to “have it all.”
“With Spielberg being such a renowned and
highly regarded filmmaker, people will trust his
decisions,” McClenny said. “They will see the
film and say, ‘Wow, this is what you can find in
Virginia.’”
McClenny also mentioned that “Unanswered Prayers,” a film
based on the Garth Brooks song, was also filmed in Virginia. That
film, in contrast with “Lincoln,” showed a more contemporary
version of the state.
“It opens the door for locations all across the Commonwealth,”
McClenny said.
And while McClenny couldn’t share names, she did admit to
some “hot prospects for films in the next few years.”
S-P-O-R-T-S: Virginia is for sports
Rumors of drawing a major sports franchise to the state have
been circulating. McClenny said the state is interested in the sports
entertainment industry.
“We are involved in many facets of promoting sporting
opportunities as entertainment in Virginia,” McClenny said.
“Professional teams bring that excitement and a real draw for people
to come for sporting events and extend their stay awhile in state.
“Part of our attractiveness to sporting teams is our location; we
have a proximity to dense areas of population, and that is important
when franchises are looking at any location. They want to be close
to large numbers of people who could become fans. They want easy
access through transportation system via highways, trains, air, cars,
etc. All modes of transportation are important to a national sporting
franchise. And it is important for Virginia to have vast transportation
modes of moving people quickly to their desired destination.”
V-I-S-I-O-N: Virginia is for vision
Martin Briley, President and CEO of the Virginia Economic
Development Partnership, has know McClenny for 25 years, and he
believes having her in this position can only benefit the state.
“Ms. McClenny’s appointment of Virginia tourism is applauded
by all of us in the Virginia Economic Development Partnership,”
Briley said. “I’ve known Rita for 25 years and have seen nothing
except stellar performance on a weekly basis. She has displayed true
leadership and is taking us to next generation in the film industry. I
fully expect her to continue that in the tourism division as well.”
McClenny’s vision for Virginia tourism is a guiding force
forward, giving her a goal to work toward. She sees Virginia as a
hospitable, welcoming place where people make memories that they
can share with their friends and families for a lifetime.
“My vision is to have tourism as a welcoming open door for
adventure,” McClenny said. “And with that sense of adventure, our
compelling marketing and advertising, and really knowing Virginia
products, we are making Virginia very inviting. We take our spirit of
teamwork and customer service, and we spread that wherever we go.
We think this is not only good for tourists, but for businesses looking
to move here and people who want to move here. This can impact the
state as a whole.”
With this kind of vision, McClenny is leading the state towards
her vision. She wants Virginia to be a place that is known. She is
lifting up her voice and leading Virginians, tourists, and the people in
the stands in the familiar cheer:
“Virginia is for lovers.”
The cheer is echoing.
Lydia Freeman is a student at Bluefield College who interned
during the summer of 2011.
”
By Lydia Freeman
David L. Bailey
DBailey@CapitolSquare.com
804.643.5554
Cell 804.405.8108
DAVID BAILEY ASSOCIATESCapitol Square Group
WWW.DAVID BAILEY ASSOCIATES.COM
1001 EAST BROAD STREET
SUITE 215
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23219
804.643.5554
INTEGRITY …EXPERIENCE …
RELATIONSHIPS
For 20 years, Rita’s passion and dedication
as Director of the Virginia Film Office
brought a such works as John Adams,
The New World, Cold Mountain, and
Lincoln to Virginia, adding billions to our
economy. I know she will bring the same
tireless energy to the Virginia Tourism
Corporation and its growing industry.
Delegate Jennifer McClellan
Rita is a champion of the tourism industry.
With her can-do spirit and proven record
of success in the Film Office, she has
already made great contributions to our
Commonwealth. It will be no surprise to
me that she will continue to find new
achievements in her role at VTC.
Delegate Chris Peace
I have truly enjoyed working with Rita
McClenny since my first days in the
legislature when she met with me as the
director of the Virginia Film Office. Rita
helped me understand how Virginia’s
tourism industry generates over $20 billion
in revenue, supports over 207,000 jobs and
provides $1.32 billion in state and local
taxes. Rita has dedicated much of her
professional career to the Commonwealth,
and I can’t imagine a better suited person
to lead this important initiative for our
Commonwealth, and I look forward to
continuing our partnership.
Delegate Mark Keam
V