A New Way To Say 'Tourism' in the Region

Journalist Joe Dashiel videos the fashion show.

Food was on prominent display as a lure for tourists.

Miss Virginia added style.

Taubman's David Mickenberg showed off the art.

More art from Roanoke's Eric Fitzpatrick, arguably the most popular artist in the region.

Pretty ballerinas emphasize dance in the region.

Hollins' Nancy Gray (left), Roanoke's Mike Maxey and VWCC's Bobby Sandel show off education.

My kayaking pal Rhonda Morgan carries her boat down the runway.

Pretty Sybil Barrett serves up coffee from Mill Mountain.

Bart Wilner addresses the packed room at the Hotel & Conference Center.

The Roanoke Valley Convention and Visitors Bureua put on quite a show--complete with a fashion runway--this morning at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center in order to announce its identity as Virginia's Blue Ridge.

The new label is the result of a year's research by North Star Destination Strategies in order to give the region a more recognizable brand. RVCVB President Bart Wilner said, "We have two world-class assets here in our midst: the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway with national and international name recognition. It makes sense for us to capitalize on these national treasures."

The fashion show was used to demonstrate the amenities of the region and used local business people and other residents to make the point.