The Franklin County Tourism Office has announced that it has received $5,000 in grant funding from the Roanoke Valley Convention
and Visitors Bureau (RVCVB). These funds will be used to assist Franklin and Bedford Counties with the expense of bringing the 2009
BASS Elite tournament to Smith Mountain Lake. The RVCVB decided to invest in this worthy project because of the unmatched
exposure the tournament will bring to the entire Roanoke Valley and the substantial revenue the project is expected to generate from
tourist and competitor spending. RVCVB Executive Director, Dave Kjolhede, presented the grant check to the County. Michael
Burnette, Franklin County Tourism and Projects Manager, said, “Franklin County is extremely appreciative to the RVCVB for their
generous assistance to our efforts. The Convention and Visitors Bureau has proven once again what a wonderful partner they are in
the mission to bring more visitors and more revenue to our community.” The funds will be used to reduce the cost of the host fee
required to bring an event of this magnitude to Smith Mountain Lake.
The Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau is a non-profit destination marketing organization funded by five local governments,
as well as nearly 200 private sector members. Local governments include the cities of Roanoke and Salem and the counties of
Roanoke, Botetourt, and Franklin. The Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau exists to promote the Roanoke Valley as a
unique destination, with an outstanding quality of life, for leisure tourism, meetings, sporting events, recreation and business, and to
facilitate the financial and cultural growth of the community as an exceptional place to live, work and recreate. These values and this
mission exactly match the goals and objectives of the Franklin County Tourism Office as laid out by the Franklin County Board of
Supervisors.
The 2009 BASS Elite tournament will be held April 23-26, 2009 at Smith Mountain Lake. The tournament will be based at Parkway
Marina, located on the lake’s southeastern shore.
