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2011 Spring Newsletter


In This Issue:
Getting the Gold from NATJA
Travel Highlighted at Trade Shows
2011 South County Style in Print, Online
2011 South County Bridal Show a Beauty
South County Helps One of Its Own
A Sad Farewell
Nathanael Greene Bridge to be Rebuilt
Read All About Us!
Summer Packages
Bridal Show Benefits
Getting The Gold from NATJA


NATJA logo
The South County Tourism Council won Gold in the 2010 North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) annual awards competition in the Visitors' Guide - Marketing Budget Less than $400,000 category.

The awards competition, now in its 19th year, honors the "best of the best" in travel writing, photography and promotion that cover all aspects of the travel industry worldwide. SCTC's submission was its 100-page South County Style Vacation Planner. The magazine features information on all of the 11 towns which constitute the leisure destination known as 'South County,' accompanied by gorgeous photography of the 449-square mile region.

"Can there be a greater compliment than to be recognized by the North American Travel Journalists Association yet again this year?" said Myrna George, president and CEO of SCTC. "The breadth and scope of this publication is a testament to more than the beauty of our destination, it also speaks to the dedication of a small team of passionate professionals and supportive board of directors who market South County's 'unique sense of place'."

This is the second time SCTC has been recognized by NATJA. In 2008, South County Style Vacation Planner was recognized for its Editorial Excellence in Best Travel Magazine category, along with National Geographic.

"We are extremely pleased with this year's entries; they were outstanding, both in quality of work and range of coverage," said Helen Hernandez, CEO of the NATJA. "The number of entries is the largest we have ever received and the level of creativity and professionalism is reflective of the vibrancy of the travel journalists' community. I also believe this year's entry pool is an indication of the overall economic recovery and its positive effect on the travel industry."

NATJA is the second largest travel media association in North America. Members include travel media professionals, convention and visitors bureaus, social media, hotels and attractions, and other travel market agencies.
 

Travel Highlighted at Trade Shows


The plane was de-iced and delayed almost three hours, but once we arrived at the American Bus Association (ABA) Marketplace held in Philadelphia, the atmosphere was pure warmth. South County By Land, By Sea and By Air was a big draw for travel professionals. The response from the leads obtained while there elicted the following response: "Thank-you, Myrna. Just secured three new bus companies. Keep you posted. Thank you for the excellent leads," Jim Ledonne, Amalfi Catering. 

The AAA Travel Marketplace brought "all things travel" under one roof at Gillette Stadium's Fidelity Investment Clubhouse, including the South County Tourism Council. At the Rhode Island booth, staffers were busy handing out our 2011 South County Style Vacation Planner to people interested in visiting South County. 

 

2011 South County Style In Print, Online


The 2011 edition of South County Style Vacation Planner is available in print and online. The colorful cover invites visitors to enjoy the many facets of the region. New photography and refreshed editorial introduces visitors to the South County area, enticing them to explore our beautiful beaches, lakes, villages, architecture and historical sites. Pick up a copy at the Tourism Council's Visitors Center in the Oliver Stedman Government Center, or download it from our website, www.SouthCountyRI.com.

 

2011 South County Bridal Show

A Beauty in White


Woodmansee Snow TowersThey came, they saw . . . they vowed to have their wedding in South County. Brides, grooms and proud parents were all charmed by our vendors and wedding sites at the 4th Annual South County Bridal Show.

The weather was crisp and clear on Jan. 16, but inside the Towers all thoughts were on sunny skies, flowers, gowns and sips of champagne accompanying delectable wedding fare.

The simple elegance of a South County wedding was highlighted at the Tourism Council's bridal show, from the fairy tale settings, natural beauty to the romance of the ocean just outside the Historic Towers windows in Narragansett.

Vendors ranged from bridal gowns to reception venues to flowers and photography. They included: Melissa Ashley Brides, Amalfi Fine Catering, Coast Guard House, Nana's Gelato, Quidnessett Country Club, Shelter Harbor Inn, West Bay Gourmet, The Towers, Music Mixers DJ Entertainment, Eventfully Planned, Flowerthyme, Weedweavers, Alterations Unlimited/After Hours Formal Wear, The Tux Shoppe, Susan Sancomb Photography, Susan Mason Photography, A Airline Express Limousine, Spa Mosaic and Scribe custom invitations.

Door prizes ranging from a bridal gown to a champagne toast were awarded to several of the lucky 179 brides and guests who attended.

"I love participating in this show because it's a great size, intimate and filled with talented, South County-based vendors," said photographer Susan Sancomb in her blog.

"A beautiful, relaxing atmosphere with loads of information and contacts to make your event memorable in the most beautiful setting . . . South County," A Airline Express Limousine and Car Service said on Facebook.

We look forward to our 2012 South County Bridal Show, Jan. 8. See you there!

 

 

South County Helps One of Its Own


RI Blood Center logo
The South County Tourism Council was more than delighted to join with the communities of South County to support the Rhode Island Blood Center. The designated recipient of this year's blood drive and marrow drive was Lt. Mike Gama, a retired Narragansett Police officer who recently was diagnosed with leukemia. It was wonderful to see our communities pull together to support one of their own. We continue to keep Lt. Gama in our thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery.

The March 3 blood drive at the McGrath Judicial Complex brought in a record 38 blood donors and registered 28 potential marrow donors.

A second drive held at the Village Inn, Narragansett in the evening brought in 68 blood donors and 90 people registered as potential marrow donors. Amalfi Catering provided food at the Village Inn.

A special thank-you to Nicholas DeRobbio, SCTC Marketing Assistant, for his focused attention to detail during this year's South County Tourism Council's Blood Drive.

A Sad Farewell


It is with great sadness that the Council says farewell to our former Board Member Terry Butler, General Manager of the Ryan Center. Although, by South County standards, he was with us but a short time, the absence of his positive spirit is a great loss to all and he will be fondly remembered by many for years to come.

Nathanael Greene Bridge to be Rebuilt


The Nathanael Greene Memorial Bridge in Coventry is on the road to being rebuilt in the coming year, according to RI Department of Transportation Director Michael Lewis. The bridge was damaged during the March 2010 floods and is unpassable. Funding is already in place and the DOT is hoping to expedite the project by seeking "design-build" bids for the contract. In a "design-build" project the designer and contractor work on the project together. The train station at Wickford Junction in North Kingstown is a design-build project.

Read All About Us!


American Profile
magazine has featured several South County landmarks and attractions in its Tidbits column, including the Frosty Drew Observatory in Charlestown and the Neighborhood Guild Community Center in Peace Dale.

The Providence Journal highlighted our new mobile website in its Commerce Digest column in the Jan. 6, 2011 edition.

The premiere issue of RI Monthly's home design magazine highlighted several South County places. The restoration of the Delman Real Estate building in Narragansett by Suburban Renewal, and cottage restorations in Bonnet Shores and Green Hill displayed amazing transformations.

Businesses featured included Yes! Gallery of Wickford, McKay's Furniture and Winnapaug Cottages of Westerly.

Yankee Magazine mentioned May breakfasts "from Woonsocket to Westerly" as a Rhode Island spring tradition in its March/April 2011 issue.

And speaking of Yankee Magazine - the South County Tourism Council collaborated with Yankee Magazine staff last fall. Yankee staffers stayed on at The Stagecoach House Inn, Richmond; The Richards, Narragansett; and The Ocean House, Westerly last fall to get a true sense of the region. They sampled local foods, talked with residents and toured the area. The result is an exclusive eight-page spread "The Beaches of South County" including an insider's guide of South County and "Speak South County Like a Native." Look for it in the July/August edition!

Summer Packages

 

 

 

South County Bridal Show

Benefits


  • The average budget for a wedding was $28,385 in 2009, according to a survey of 21,000 couples by TheKnot.
     
  • Weddings now average three days: rehearsal dinner, wedding, and an after party the following day.  
     
  • 30 percent of brides and grooms attend an "after party." Eighty-seven percent host a rehearsal dinner.
     
  • 88 brides attended the South County Tourism Bridal Show. They were accompanied by family and friends.
     
  • December is the most popular month for engagements
      
  • The guest list typically includes 149 people.
     
  • Most bridal parties have 10 attendants: Five bridesmaids, five groomsmen.
     
  • White remains the bride's choice: 87 percent of brides choose white wedding dresses, more are choosing jewel tones for wedding color schemes.
New Spring Home Page





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South County Style Vacation Planner

 

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