Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation

Martinsville-Henry County Visitor Center Features New Window Display

Apr 3, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Leigh Cockram
Director of Marketing/Recruiting
Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation
276.403.5940
lcockram@yesmartinsville.com


Martinsville-Henry County Visitor Center Features New Window Display

Martinsville, VA (March 27, 2008) Martinsville Speedway race fans coming to Martinsville-Henry County, who stop at the Martinsville-Henry County Visitor Center in Uptown Martinsville, will have an opportunity to learn about another type of racing and track that calls the area home.

The Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation is pleased to announce that its Office of Tourism has coordinated the development of a new window display at the Martinsville-Henry County Visitor Center.

“There is a trend among newer visitor centers to feature local destination displays and exhibits. Ours is unique in that it is in the front window of a former store front which provides visibility to not only those in the center, but to those walking and driving by the outside. We are taking advantage of this opportunity to help showcase our many assets,” said David Rotenizer, EDC Director of Tourism. “It is our hope to rotate displays every 3-4 months to help keep things fresh and exciting for visitors and locals alike.”

This is the second window display since the center officially opened in December. The first display featured outdoor recreation with a display by the Rivers and Trails Group of the Dan River Basin Association, a canoe and kayak loaned by Smith River Junction, fishing gear by the local chapter of Trout Unlimited, a bicycle loaned by the Henry County Bike Club, and hiking stick made by local artist Joyce Wray.

The new display will highlight Lake Sugar Tree Motorsport Park located in Axton. According to Rotenizer, “there are a number of folks in the community who are unaware of the track, and the sport for that matter. We want to help create awareness for both the track and for the positive economic impact it has upon our community.” Pat Noel, Track Manager for Lake Sugar Tree, did a fantastic job putting together this display – which definitely stands out and draws attention. Jimmy’s Cycle Sales of Bassett loaned two motorcycles, an ATV, and a sitting mannequin for the display. Belk’s Department Store loaned a standing mannequin featuring riding gear provided by Lake Sugar Tree staff.

Lake Sugar Motorsport Park has been in business creating a motorcycle and ATV tradition for over thirty years. When first established, it was the first motorcross facility east of the Mississippi. The park features a Super Cross track winding 1.25 miles around its lake namesake. There is also a 1/3 mile Stadium Cross track with lighting to host “moonlight runs,” a 6-mile Cross country track and a ¼ mile beginner’s route.

The track now hosts three annual events: AMA Spring Series, Grand Championship Series, and the Moonlight Series.

Lake Sugar Tree hosts students for its six MX School classes each year, instructed by nationally acclaimed motorcross racing legend Gary Bailey. Over the past ten years, these classes have brought in over 1,500 students from across the country, including the countries of Canada, Bahamas, and South Africa. Bailey has been teaching since 1969 and is referred to as “the Professor of Motorcross.”

Remarked Rotenizer, “I don’t think many in our community are fully aware of how important this track is to our community. It definitely has an economic impact - as users and visitors come here they stay over, eat, shop, and buy things like gas. It is our hope that this display will help to create more awareness of Lake Sugar Tree Motorsport Park. For those looking for something different to do – pay a visit to the track for a different racing experience.”

The Martinsville-Henry County Visitor Center is located in Historic Uptown Martinsville at 54 West Church Street and is co-located with the Southern Virginia Artisan Center. It is open seven days a week, 9-5.

The mission of the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation is to create new job opportunities and expand the tax base for the area. The organization strives to support and develop local industry, as well as market Martinsville-Henry County globally as an exceptional place to live, work and play.

The EDC is a public-private partnership between the City of Martinsville, Henry County, the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce, the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber’s Partnership for Economic Growth (C-PEG) and the Harvest Foundation of the Piedmont.
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