Mary Nelson TEL (804) 545-5535
Communications Manager EML mnelson@virginia.org
Virginia Film Office www.film.virginia.org
Virginia Tourism Corporation www.virginia.org www.VaTravelStories.com
April 30, 2009
Virginia Film and Tourism Leader Wins
Advocacy Award
-Rita McClenny, Vice President of Operations and Film for Virginia Tourism Corporation receives first-ever tourism advocacy award-
The Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau awarded the first-ever Virgo Award for Tourism Advocacy to Rita McClenny, Vice President of Operations and Virginia Film Office. McClenny, a leader in Virginia’s film and tourism industries, was honored for significant contributions to generating support for the tourism industry. The VaCVB recognized McClenny and other award recipients at the annual conference held at Wintergreen Resort on April 21.
Cheryl Kilday, President of the VaCVB, sited McClenny as the driving force behind successful projects such as the acclaimed HBO miniseries John Adams, and a wide variety of feature films including The New World, The Contender, Hannibal and Evan Almighty. In 2007, filmmaking in Virginia had an economic impact of $732 million and supported 6,000 jobs. McClenny is also responsible advocating the benefits of the state’s tourism industry by educating groups, elected officials and the public about the importance of tourism jobs and economic revenues generated by tourism throughout the commonwealth.
“Rita’s leadership makes Virginia competitive in the film industry,” said Cheryl Kilday, President of the VaCVB association. “Her knowledge of the film and tourism industries and work on our behalf gives us a powerful and respected voice with leaders throughout Virginia.”
The Virginia Film Office is part of the Virginia Tourism Corporation, the state agency responsible for marketing Virginia to potential travelers across the world. McClenny joined the VTC in 1991 and has worked in various capacities during her career.
Tourism is one of Virginia’s most powerful industries, generating $18.7 billion in revenue, supporting 210,000 jobs and providing $1.2 million in state and local taxes for Virginia’s communities.
