Are you interested in launching an adventure tourism business in Southwest Virginia? Adventure tourism is the fastest growing aspect of tourism throughout the world and this workshop will outline the opportunities, business case examples and provide the steps required to launch a successful adventure tourism business in Southwest Virginia. The workshop will include an update on the tourism developments underway in the region, hear first hand from business owners who have found success in this industry and learn from professionals in the field of business startup and expansion in Virginia that will provide the steps required to launching a business, marketing, financing and connecting to resources that can jump start your tourism venture. The workshop is FREE but advanced registration is required. Due to limited space, special registration preference will be given to new and existing entrepreneurs.

1. OppOrtunity is knOcking
in the rOanOke regiOn
Adventure Tourism Wor kshop
Interested in starting an adventure tourism
business in the Roanoke Region? Outdoor
recreation is the fastest growing aspect of
tourism throughout the world and this work-
shop outlines the opportunities, best practices,
and the steps required to launch a successful
adventure tourism business.
WHEN: October 19, 2010
8:00am - 1:00pm
WHERE: Greenfield Education &
Training Center (Botetourt County)
COST: FREE - advanced registration required
- space is limited to 100
- due to limited space preference
is given to new & existing
entrepreneurs
The workshop will include an update on tourism devel-
opments in the region. Hear from successful business
owners in this industry and learn from professionals
in business startups and expansions as they provide the
steps to launch, market, and finance a business. Connect
to resources that can jump start your tourism venture.
www.Vastartup.org
540.473.1167

2. Roanoke Regional Adventure
Tourism Workshop
October 19, 2010
Greenfield Education & Training Center
Agenda - tentative
8:00 a.m. Registration/Continental Breakfast
8:30 a.m. Welcome – Kevin Costello
8:35 a.m. Dignitary Comments – Mary Rae Carter, Deputy Secretary of
Commerce and Trade for Rural Economic Development
8:45 a.m. Tourism Development Projects/Marketing Initiatives Update – Randy
Rose, Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC)
9:00 a.m. Regional Tourism Initiatives – Pete Eshelman & Kevin Costello
9:20 a.m. Speakers:
 John Mays/Twin River Outfitters (canoe outfitter/lodging)
 Gene Nervo/Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing (summer
camp/group programs/lodging)
 Shawn Hash/Tangent Outfitters (river/biking outfitter/guide)
 Tom Horsch/Plan B Marketing (bike/shuttle outfitters, lodging)
10: 45 a.m. Question & Answers
11:00 a.m. Break – visit exhibitors
11:15 a.m. Business in the Commonwealth – Sandy Ratliff, Virginia DBA
11:30 a.m. How to Start and Operate a Business – Tom Tanner, SBDC
11:50 a.m. Marketing Assistance & Strategies– Kitty Barker, Virginia Tourism
Corporation
12:10 p.m. Financing/Managing Resources – Harvey Brookins, Wachovia Bank
12:25 a.m. Managing Your Risks – Joe Habenicht, Rutherfoord Insurance
12:40 p.m. Other Available Resources - Sandy Ratliff, Virginia DBA
12:55 p.m. Complete Evaluations
1:00 p.m. Adjourn