GRCVB Contact:
Chris Cannon, director of communications
706.295.5576
Chris@RomeGeorgia.org
www.RomeGeorgia.org

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Hollywood headed to Georgia’s Rome  

 ROME, GA. —  Romans walking the streets of Georgia’s Rome could bump into a Hollywood star this week as a major motion picture is filmed here. “Need for Speed,” a new motion picture by Dreamworks, will be filming in Rome and Floyd County Wednesday May 15 – Sunday May 19, announced the Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The film stars Dominic Cooper, Aaron Paul, Michael Keaton and Imogen Poots. The plot follows a cross country race framed by a massive bounty.

Filming will take place on the Rome Bypass from Highway 27 to Blacks Bluff Road, Cave Spring Road, and Myrtle Hill Cemetery in Historic Downtown Rome.

The Rome Bypass from Highway 27 to Blacks Bluff Road will be closed for traffic from Thursday, May 16 – Saturday, May 18.

On Thursday, May 16, Cave Spring Road near Bagwell Road will see minor delays due to intermittent traffic control. All traffic will be temporarily stopped while filming takes place, and then will be released in-between each film shot.

Also on Thursday, Pennington Avenue at Myrtle Hill Cemetery will be closed between Myrtle Street and Branham Avenue from noon to 6pm. A funeral will be reenacted in the Historic Myrtle Hill Cemetery during this time and the cemetery will be closed to the public.

A helicopter will be used for filming on all days of operation and may be flown closer than 500 feet from the ground, but the public will never be in danger.

“We are excited to welcome Dreamworks to town and roll out the red carpet for these production crews,” said Lisa Smith, GRCVB executive director. “These film crews inject money into all areas of our community, and they have put a special emphasis on keeping their money within Rome and Floyd County.”

“Need for Speed” will be released in spring of 2014. This is the first major motion picture to film in Rome since “Sweet Home Alabama” was filmed in 2001.

Rome and Floyd County are certified as a Camera Ready County through the Georgia Department of Economic Development. The program assists producers in finding quality locations throughout Georgia. Filming in Georgia has dramatically increased since the Georgia Entertainment Industry Act went into effect officering production companies up to 30 percent cost saving over filming in other states.

For more information on the filming schedule or about Rome and Floyd County, call the Rome – Floyd Visitor Center at 706-295-5576.

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The Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau (GRCVB) is the official destination and sports marketing organization of Rome and Floyd County, Georgia. The GRCVB’s mission is to strengthen the economic fabric of the community through tourism development by attracting leisure travelers, conventions, meetings, sports and events.

The post Hollywood headed to Georgia’s Rome appeared first on Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The announcement came during a press conference held Tuesday morning at Historic Barron Stadium, the venue that will serve as the host site for the Victory Bowl – the NCCAA’s season-ending football game between its No. 1 and No. 2-ranked schools – andthe NCCAA Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track & Field National Championship.

The NCCAA and Shorter agreed to a pair of three-year deals that will keep the championship events in Rome through the 2015-16 academic year. The track & field championship was previously held in Illinois while the Victory Bowl will have a neutral venue for the first time since 1997-2000, when the annual game was held at the National Football League’s Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.

“The NCCAA is excited and very appreciative of this new partnership with Shorter University, the City of Rome and Floyd County,” said Wood. “Having a predetermined host for our football showcase event, The Victory Bowl, will enhance not only the game day experience for our selected programs but also the full bowl selection environment.

“Our Women’s and Men’s Track & Field Championship has seen unparalleled improvement in the level of competition in the past three years,” added Wood. “We look forward to having Shorter and Rome continue to elevate the championship experience for our student athletes and coaches.”

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for Rome and Floyd County to host two major sports championship events,” said Bob Berry, co-chair of the Rome Championships Host Committee which, alongside Shorter, is responsible for putting on the Victory Bowl and Outdoor Track & Field Championships. “Together, they will have a significant economic impact for our community, and at the same time, add to our already impressive resume as a community that has the expertise to serve as a host site for championship sports.

“We are so appreciative of the work and support of Shorter University, its President Dr. Don Dowless, and it’s Director of Athletics, Bill Peterson, whose contacts and association with the NCCAA paved the way for these championship events to come to Rome,” Berry added. “Likewise, we are also thankful for the invaluable guidance and support of Lisa Smith and the CVB, who provide the structure and know-how to put on these major events.”

Much like it was in bringing the NAIA Football National Championship to Rome for the first time in 2008, Shorter was the driving force behind attracting the NCCAA to Northwest Georgia.

In the midst of a three-year transition to NCAA Division II, Shorter joined the NCCAA last summer to provide its student-athletes with an opportunity to compete in postseason play during its probationary period with the NCAA.Shorter captured a pair of NCCAA national championships – one in indoor women’s track & field and another in men’s basketball – and now will have a chance to bring two of the organization’s most popular championship events to Rome and Floyd County.

“We are thrilled that the NCCAA has decided to move two of its most prominent championships here to our hometown,” said Peterson, whospearheaded the championship bidding process.“Honestly, I cannot think of a better venue or a better host community. In fact, I can’t even think of a better school to serve as host. We look forward to a tremendous partnership and top flight competitions for years to come.

Historic Barron Stadium, which has hosted the NAIA Football National Championship since 2008 and will do so for the final time on December 21, will house its first Victory Bowl several weeks prior, on Saturday, November 23. As they have with the NAIA title game, Shorter and the Rome Championships Host Committeewill work together tohost the 2013, 2014 and 2015 Victory Bowl.

The week leading up to the game will closely mirror that of NAIA Championship Week, with the student-athletes participating in a series of community engagement events and service projects. The Victory Bowl figures to bring in another contingent of out-of-town guests over a multiple day period that will have a chance to enjoy Rome’s southern hospitality.

“This community and the Rome Championships Host Committee have taken great pride in hosting the NAIA Football National Championship,” said Peterson. “We are even more excited about replacing that game with two national championship events and expanding our overall focus. As George Allen used to say, ‘The future is now,’ and we are excited about looking forward and not back.

“This will be a great set of championships.”

In their first joint venture of its kind, Shorter and the Rome Championships Host Committee will also partner to put on the NCCAA Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track & Field Championships, which will commence at Barron Stadium in May of 2014, 2015 and 2016.

This year’s outdoor track championships in Joliet, Ill., featured over 800 student-athletes, 100 coaches and countless team supporters. A two- or three-day track championship of that size would generate another tremendous opportunity for Rome and Floyd County, which has already been the beneficiary of economic impact upwards of $10 million in five years of hosting the NAIA Football National Championship.

Conservative estimates by the CVB calculate an economic impact of approximately $1.23 million between the Victory Bowl and Outdoor Track & Field Championships.

“Today is a banner moment at the Rome-Floyd Tourism Office to announce two events being awarded under multi-year agreements to a very deserving host and community,” said Lisa Smith, the Greater Rome CVB Executive Director. “It is a win-win relationship for all of Floyd County and her citizens. We take each and every challenge personally and go after the business that makes sense for our community and our Shorter sports business partners.”

Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., the NCCAA strives to promote the gospel of Jesus Christ through its 22 National Championships and 8 National Invitationals. The NCCAA is an association of Christ-centered collegiate institutions whose mission is to use athletic competition as an integral component of education, evangelism and encouragement.

For more information on the NCCAA, contact the NCCAA National Office at (864) 250-1199 or visit www.thenccaa.org.

The post NCCAA NAMES ROME-FLOYD COUNTY AS HOST OF FOOTBALL, TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS appeared first on Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau.

GRCVB Contact:
Luke Chaffin, Special Projects Coordinator
706.295.5576
Luke@RomeGeorgia.org
www.RomeGeorgia.org

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Free Civil War trolley tours return for National Travel & Tourism Week

ROME, GA. — The Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau (GRCVB) will once again offer tours free of charge to the public as a part of National Travel & Tourism Week.

The “Be a Tourist in Your Hometown” series takes place aboard the Toonerville Trolley, a 24-passenger trolley that is owned and maintained by the City of Rome.

Free tours will take place Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 1:00pm and 2:30pm and will be led by docent Debbie Galloway.

Tours will last approximately 75 minutes and will begin and end at the Rome-Floyd Visitor Center. Galloway’s tour will take guests through downtown Rome and focus on the area’s rich Civil War history and how it shaped the town.

“The timing of these tours goes together perfectly with this period of the Sesquicentennial Civil War celebration,” said Galloway. “Being able to tell these stories exactly 150 years later gives them an added sense of meaning and heritage.”

Reservations with the Rome – Floyd Visitor Center are required. Seats are limited and are reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information and to reserve your place on the free “Be a Tourist in Your Hometown” trolley tours, contact the visitor center at 706-295-5576.

National Travel & Tourism Week is hosted annually by the U.S. Travel Association to encourage the tourism industry and educate the public on the importance of tourism in all communities.

The GRCVB is the official destination and sports marketing organization of Rome and Floyd County, Georgia. The GRCVB’s mission is to strengthen the economic fabric of the community through tourism development by attracting leisure travelers, conventions, meetings, sports and events.

The bureau reports that a study from the U.S. Travel Association shows that tourists spent $117,220,000 in Floyd County during 2011, the most recent year that results are available. In comparison, tourism expenditures were only $82,900,000 in 2002.

“We will continue to be aggressive marketers of Rome and Floyd County and expanding our work with community partners to assure that new visitors travel to our community and experience the amazing culture of Georgia’s Rome,“ said Lisa Smith, GRCVB executive director.

Visit www.RomeGeorgia.org for more information about the Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau and tourism in Rome and Floyd County.

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The post Free Civil War trolley tours return for National Travel & Tourism Week appeared first on Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau.

GRCVB Contact:
Chris Cannon, director of communications
706.295.5576
Chris@RomeGeorgia.org
www.RomeGeorgia.org  

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Mobile App Tour to breathe new life into Myrtle Hill Cemetery  

 ROME, GA. —  The Historic Myrtle Hill Cemetery in Rome, Ga. is leading the pack in attracting visitors interested in history and heritage. To further the experience for these visitors, the Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau (GRCVB) and Myrtle Hill / Oak Hill Memorial Association announced today that a new mobile app tour will be available on May 3.

 The new tour will feature 65 sites throughout the 1857 cemetery’s 20,000 graves through video, audio, text, and photos. The GPS based map will guide users to the various locations as they progress throughout the tour.

Sites vary from the grave of Ellen Axson Wilson, First Lady and wife of Woodrow Wilson, to the founders and builders of the City of Rome. Sites are featured because of the significance of the individual or the beauty of the grave marker design.

To celebrate the launch of the new mobile app tour, the Convention & Visitors Bureau is hosting a debut event on May 3, 2013 at 4pm. The date is also the 150th Anniversary of the Ride of John Wisdom, so special emphasis will be placed on his story and legend.

The debut event will include Mike McDougald, local historian and chairman of Georgia Public Broadcasting telling the oral history of John Wisdom. Wisdom is known as the “Paul Revere of the South” after riding from Gadsden, Ala. to Rome to save the city from Union invasion.

John Wisdom’s decendants will be present and the original Silver Tea Service that the City of Rome presented to John Wisdom in appreciation will be on display.

Following the debut, visitors will be able to download the mobile app and explore the history and heritage at their own pace.

“We’ve put over 2 years worth of historical research into this application,” said Chris Cannon, GRCVB director of  communications. “With this app, the experience is literally the same as having a historian touring you through the cemetery.”

The event is free and open to the public. The debut event will take place at the Sexton’s house in the center of the cemetery. Parking is available at Etowah Terrace by Mercy Housing and golf cart transportation is available to the Sexton’s House.

The app will be available for download on May 3 via the Apple Store or Google Play.

“This app is going to revolutionize the way we market the cemetery,” said Cannon. “Visitors can now have a guided tour 365 days a year instead of just a few opportunities in the fall.”

The application was funded in full by the Myrtle Hill / Oak Hill Memorial Association.

“The purpose of the cemetery association is to provide funds for developing the history that lies throughout Myrtle Hill,” said Anne Culpepper, cemetery historian and president of the association.

For more information on the debut event, contact the Rome – Floyd Visitor Center at 706.295.5576 or www.RomeGeorgia.org.

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The Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau (GRCVB) is the official destination and sports marketing organization of Rome and Floyd County, Georgia. The GRCVB’s mission is to strengthen the economic fabric of the community through tourism development by attracting leisure travelers, conventions, meetings, sports and events.

The post Mobile App Tour to breathe new life into Myrtle Hill Cemetery appeared first on Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau.

GRCVB Contact:

Chris Cannon, director of communications
706.295.5576
Chris@RomeGeorgia.org
www.RomeGeorgia.org

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: West Georgia Professor to speak on Civic War anniversary

ROME, GA. — The Civil War Symposium on April 18 will feature Dr. Keith S. Hebert, Assistant Professor of History and Co-Director of the Center for Public History at the University of West Georgia.

Hebert will present “Streight’s Raid and the Making of Confederate Heroes and Heroines.”

His discussion will take place one day before the 150th anniversary of Streight’s Raid. The raid, which took place from April 19 – May 3, 1863 was a Union attack on Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia.

Confederate leader Nathan Bedford Forrest stopped the troops immediately prior to the their attack on Rome. He arrived in Rome on May 3 and was hailed as a hero.

The symposium will take place in the Coosa Room of the Rome – Floyd County Library at 6:30pm. The event is free and open to the public.

Hebert holds a Ph.D. in History from Auburn University where he studied under Dr. Kenneth W. Noe. His research focuses on the history of Northwest Georgia civilians and communities during the Atlanta Campaign of the Civil War. Hebert has published several entries in the Encyclopedia of Alabama, including articles on Streight’s Raid and Emma Sansom.

He is also a Northwest Georgia native of Bartow County.  He is currently preparing a manuscript on the history of the Reconstruction era Ku Klux Klan in Appalachia.

The Civil War Symposium Series is sponsored by the Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau and hosted by the Rome – Floyd County Library. The goal of the series is to educate the community on the area’s rich Civil War history during the sesquicentennial of the war.

To learn more about Civil War history across Rome and Floyd County, visit www.TheCivilWarInRome.org or call 706.295.5576.

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The Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau (GRCVB) is the official destination and sports marketing organization of Rome and Floyd County, Georgia. The GRCVB’s mission is to strengthen the economic fabric of the community through tourism development by attracting leisure travelers, conventions, meetings, sports and events.

The post West Georgia Professor to speak on Civic War anniversary appeared first on Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau.

GRCVB Contact:
Chris Cannon, director of communications
706.295.5576
Chris@RomeGeorgia.org
www.RomeGeorgia.org

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Floyd County Schools Arts Program to benefit from Curtis Reed concert

 ROME, GA. — Curtis Reed will kick off his “Take me Back to Georgia: A Celebration in Song” tour on Saturday, March 30 in Rome, Ga. The concerts will benefit the Floyd County Schools music and arts programs.

Reed will perform two concerts at the Rome City Auditorium at 2:30p.m. and 7:00p.m. As many as 50 students from the Floyd County school system will be featured as background vocalists for Reed. A portion of the concert tickets sales will then be donated to the Floyd County music program.

To celebrate the concert theme of “Take me Back to Georgia,” Pepperell High School student Grafton Flock created a piece of digital art that has been placed on products carried by the Last Stop Gift Shop. Stone coasters and mouse pads will be available for sell by the shop at the concert on Saturday.

Flock is a junior who plans to pursue graphic design and marketing in the future.

“Once I listened to the song ‘Take Me Back to Georgia,’ I realized that when you visit somewhere, you usually find a postcard to remember the scenery of your travels,” said Flock. “That’s when I came up with the idea of a retro postcard, which supplies Curtis Reed’s most prized memories of his southern home, Georgia.”

Products with his unique artwork will also be for sale at the Last Stop Gift Shop inside the Rome – Floyd Visitor Center and proceeds will continue to benefit the Floyd County arts program.

“I certainly appreciate the importance and lifelong value of music and fine arts departments in our school system,” Reed said. “This is the underlying purpose of having the children perform with me.”

“There will be a couple of new songs that I’ve written about Rome,” Reed said. “One is called ‘All Roads Lead to Rome,’ which will be one of the opening songs.”

After traveling all over the country, Reed decided to pen a song about his home state and “Take Me Back to Georgia” is the title song on his latest CD, which is available at the Last Stop Gift Shop run by the Greater Rome Convention and Visitors Bureau atop Jackson Hill. A dollar from the sale of each CD sold in Rome will also be donated to the music and arts in schools program in Floyd County.

Tickets for the show are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors 65 and older, and $10 for children age 12 and younger. The tickets are now available at The Forum box office and the Rome – Floyd Visitor Center.

For more information call 706-295-5576.

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The Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau (GRCVB) is the official destination and sports marketing organization of Rome and Floyd County, Georgia. The GRCVB’s mission is to strengthen the economic fabric of the community through tourism development by attracting leisure travelers, conventions, meetings, sports and events.

The post Floyd County Schools Arts Program to benefit from Curtis Reed concert appeared first on Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau.

GRCVB Contact:
Luke Chaffin, Special Projects Coordinator
706.295.5576
Luke@RomeGeorgia.org
www.RomeGeorgia.org

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Spring Art Market returns to Rome Civic Center

ROME, GA. — The coming warmer weather and beautiful flowers will again be met by the 2^nd Annual Spring Art Market. The arts and crafts festival will take place April 12-13, 2013 at the Rome Civic Center featuring over 50 artists, authors and food producers from all over the area.

 ”We are so excited about the growth that we have seen from each event in our Art Market series, and always look forward to sharing these talented individuals with the community,” said Charlene Mathis, manager of the Last Stop Gift Shop and Rome-Floyd Visitor Center. “Our customers this year are in for a real treat with the expanded variety of vendors that we have in this year’s Spring Art Market.”

The Spring Art Market will be open Friday, April 12 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The indoor-outdoor event reflects the diverse talents of artisans who specialize in everything from handmade jewelry to pottery, repurposed fabrics to hand-poured candles, vintage photography and more.

In addition to popular past vendors like Bill Bussey Photography, LL Wood Turning, and Crawdaddy’s Cajun and Creole Cuisine, the festival will showcase newcomers like Cupcakes Around the Corner, pencil artist Greg Peterson, PointSixFour Farms, Michele’s Garden Girls and more.

Artwork, food products and other gifts from participating vendors will be given away in free drawings throughout the two days.

Both admission to the event and parking are free. The Rome Civic Center is located at 400 Civic Center Drive, across from Applebee’s. Multiple food vendors will be onsite to treat customers with local and exotic fare for lunch and dinner.

Volunteers are needed for the Spring Art Market, and those who participate will receive a free t-shirt. Potential volunteers should contact Charlene Mathis at 706.295.5576.

The Spring Art Market is sponsored by the Last Stop Gift Shop and Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau. For more information about the event, vendor line-up or other details relating to the festival, call 706.295.5576 or visit www.RomeArtMarket.com.

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The Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau (GRCVB) is the official destination and sports marketing organization of Rome and Floyd County, Georgia. The GRCVB’s mission is to strengthen the economic fabric of the community through tourism development by attracting leisure travelers, conventions, meetings, sports and events.

The post Spring Art Market returns to Rome Civic Center appeared first on Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau.

GRCVB Contact:
Luke Chaffin, Special Projects Coordinator
706.295.5576
Luke@RomeGeorgia.org
www.RomeGeorgia.org

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tickets still on sale for whiskey tasting benefiting E.C.O. Center

ROME, GA — Tickets are still available for the American Spirits Comparative Tasting event to benefit the Rome-Floyd E.C.O. Center on Saturday, April 6, 2013. The whiskey tasting will take place at 7 p.m. at the E.C.O. Center facility in Ridge Ferry Park.

Patrons of the event will learn about different American whiskeys and their unique subtleties from United Distributors Inc.’s Kevin Knight, a Certified Specialist of Spirits.

Admission into the tasting also includes a beef tenderloin dinner by Bill Summer and Tim Looney, with cigars to follow from Old Havana Cigar Company. Proceeds from the sales of the tickets will go towards enhancements to the outdoor wetlands classroom and educational exhibits, all emphasizing hands-on experiences for visitors of the E.C.O. Center. 

Originally opened as a freshwater pumping station in 1893, the Rome-Floyd E.C.O. Center is a river education center that highlights animals and plants native to the Northwest Georgia area. The building features a wide variety of terrariums, exhibits, aquariums and a special rain garden, in addition to beautiful murals depicting the vast biodiversity of the area.

A total of only 40 tickets will be sold for the event. Please RSVP by no later than Monday, April 1 to save your spot for the American Spirits Comparative Tasting.

Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased at the Rome-Floyd Visitor Center located at 402 Civic Center Drive across from Applebee’s, or by calling 706-295-5576.

The E.C.O. Center continues to expand its programming and work with community partners. Those wishing to support local river education at the facility may make a tax-deductible donation. Visit the Rome-Floyd E.C.O. Center in person at 393 Riverside Parkway, Thursdays and Fridays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays by appointment.

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The post Tickets still on sale for whiskey tasting benefiting E.C.O. Center appeared first on Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau.

GRCVB Contact:
Chris Cannon, director of communications
706.295.5576
Chris@RomeGeorgia.org
www.RomeGeorgia.org

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Chaffin promoted, Galloway joins sales team at GRCVB

 ROME, GA. — The Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau (GRCVB) announced today that Luke Chaffin of Rome, Ga. has been promoted to sales coordinator. Debbie Galloway of Rome, Ga. has also joined the bureau as a new sales coordinator.

The mission of the GRCVB is to strengthen the economic fabric of the community through tourism development. The organization is funded solely by hotel / motel tax (6%) generated in Rome and Floyd County.

Chaffin and Galloway are responsible for recruiting new groups, conferences, conventions, and motorcoach groups to the Rome area. Chaffin will focus on religious groups and motorcoaches, while Galloway will work with meeting and convention planners.

“The two new sales positions will better leverage our group recruitment abilities over the coming year as we have growth and expansion in the hotel sector,” said Lisa Smith, GRCVB executive director.

Chaffin has been at the GRCVB since August 2011 initially serving as a customer service representative and most recently as special projects coordinator. He came to the GRCVB after working as assistant manager of the Georgia Highlands College Cartersville Campus Bookstore. He also previously worked as a promotions and production assistant for Salem Communications in Atlanta, owner of 104.7—The Fish and several other Atlanta-based radio stations.

Chaffin is originally from the Winston community in Douglas County, but relocated to Rome in 2009.  Chaffin holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Georgia State University, and a Certificate of Hospitality Administration from the Robinson College of Business. Chaffin is a member of Rome First United Methodist Church, serves on the board of directors for the Rome Area Heritage Foundation and also sits on the Downtown Development Authority promotions committee. He volunteers for the Free Clinic of Rome and Cancer Navigators.

 Galloway is a Rome native and graduate of Model High School and Shorter University. She has worked at many locations throughout Rome including Rome First United Methodist Church, Chieftains Museum, Darlington School, and Traditions of Rome. Additionally, she was an owning partner of Twice is Nice Children’s Consignment Clothing.

Throughout the years, Galloway has assisted the GRCVB on a volunteer basis as a community tour guide. She also has volunteered with the Chieftains Museum, local schools, Junior Service League of Rome, and the Rome Symphony Guild. She is a member of Rome First United Methodist Church. Galloway is married to Tim and has two children, Katie and Jon.

“The tourism office is excited about the recent changes and we look forward to a bright future and our potential success with our expanded team,” said Lisa Smith.

For more information on the Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau, visit www.RomeGeorgia.org or call 706-295-5576.

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The Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau (GRCVB) is the official destination and sports marketing organization of Rome and Floyd County, Georgia. The GRCVB’s mission is to strengthen the economic fabric of the community through tourism development by attracting leisure travelers, conventions, meetings, sports and events.

The post Chaffin promoted, Galloway joins sales team at GRCVB appeared first on Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau.

GRCVB Contact:
Chris Cannon, director of communications
706.295.5576
Chris@RomeGeorgia.org
www.RomeGeorgia.org  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Roman Holiday open for booking, several events planned

 ROME, GA. — The Sulzbacher Roman Holiday, the City of Rome’s public riverboat, is now open for booking of all 2013 events following a year of successful river trips in 2012.

The Roman Holiday is a 45-passenger cruise boat owned by the City of Rome and available for rental by private individuals, parties, and groups.

In 2012, the Roman Holiday serviced 53 groups and a total of 2,450 people. This record year for the Roman Holiday follows the Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau taking over management and marketing of the boat.

General pricing for rental begins at $350 for two hours. Cruise options are unlimited from educational tours to sunset cocktail and dinner parties.

School and private educational tours can take advantage of Rome’s environmental education with a private tour of the ECO River Center in Ridge Ferry Park for an additional $2.50 per student. Roman Holiday rental begins at $200 for school groups.

Several public tours have been added to the calendar for the 2013 season.

The Spirits of the Civil War: Rome’s Riverways cruise led by Mike Ragland will return on Sunday, May 5 at 2pm. This tour allows patrons to experience Civil War history from the perspective of Rome’s mighty rivers and understand their importance on Civil War history in Rome. Ragland’s 2012 tour sold out of tickets faster than any other event aboard the Roman Holiday.

The 2nd Annual Rolling on the River Sunday Cruises will tour the Oostanaula and Coosa Rivers, often called America’s most diverse eco-system. The 2-hour tours will take place at 2:00pm on June 2, July 7 and August 4.

Fall Foliage tours will be offered in October during peak leaf season, however dates are to be announced.

For all public tours, tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Tickets must be pre-purchased and are available at the Rome – Floyd Visitor Center located at 402 Civic Center Drive. The visitor center is open Monday – Friday from 9:30am – 5:00pm and Saturday from 10:00am – 3:00pm.

Complete rental and public tours information can be found in person at the Rome – Floyd Visitor Center or by calling 706-295-5576. Visit www.RomeGeorgia.org for more information on Rome and eco-tourism throughout the community.

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The Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau (GRCVB) is the official destination and sports marketing organization of Rome and Floyd County, Georgia. The GRCVB’s mission is to strengthen the economic fabric of the community through tourism development by attracting leisure travelers, conventions, meetings, sports and events.

The post Roman Holiday open for booking, several events planned appeared first on Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau.