Executive Chef Supporting Local Farms and Flavors

Chef Billie Raper Strives to Advance Green Efforts at The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center

ROANOKE, VA. (July 15, 2009) - The executive chef at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center is bolstering the hotel's dining and restaurants by purchasing locally grown foods from local farmers and businesses as a way to advance and continue the hotel's green movement.


Billie Raper, who also leads the hotel's green committee, is relying on local farmers and businesses to give the region a taste of the bountiful flavors available in southwestern Virginia.

"Purchasing locally grown foods is not only essential to our business and practice, but also an added incentive for our guests and diners," said Raper. "We are constantly striving for ways to advance our green efforts and ways the hotel can be more sustainable. It's an initiative we are constantly developing and practicing."

Chef Raper has worked with local growers for about six years and regularly partners with a Floyd County cooperative called Good Food, Good People, which encourages business owners to purchase produce from farmers in the area. The foods are picked to order and delivered within 24 hours of being harvested to local stores and restaurants. Raper also purchases from Border Springs Farm in Patrick County.

"My philosophy on supporting local farmers and businesses is that the hotel was built and put back in place by the community, so I feel we have an obligation to then turn around and support the community whenever possible," said Raper. "Using locally grown foods is a terrific way to do that and a necessity for us."

The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center is a member of Virginia Green, a partnership program between the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Virginia Tourism Corp. and the Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association.

The Hotel Roanoke has had a green committee in place for more than two years and meets on a monthly basis to discuss new steps and initiatives they can put into action.

"Our green committee is here to look at everything and talk about ideas and initiatives," Raper said. "It takes commitment, drive and a constant effort from everyone in the organization to continue to succeed. It's essentially part of everyone's full-time job at work and at home."

Hotel Roanoke Tees Up The Definitive Southwest Virginia Golf Package

The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center Offers Exclusive Access To
The Region's Top Course While Adding a Resort Amenity To The Historic Hotel


ROANOKE, VA. (June 19, 2009) - The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center has fashioned the perfect foursome by teaming up with The Roanoke Country Club, Hidden Valley Country Club and Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech to create three unique adventures, one hole at a time, with the Hotel Roanoke Golf Package adding a unique resort amenity at the historic hotel.

Plan an overnight getaway starting at $214 that includes deluxe accommodations for two, full breakfast buffet for two in the famed Regency Dining Room, a welcome gift, and golf on one of the most exclusive courses in southwest Virginia. The package is available seven days a week and is based on availability.

"It's the perfect package for any golfer looking to get away for a night, long weekend, or attending a conference to come in a day early to extend a stay," said Gary Walton, general manager of The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center. "This new partnership enables the Hotel Roanoke to add a resort amenity as guests can be out of their room and on a premier golf course in 15 minutes. The River Course, while a little further in distance, is an exceptional experience for anyone visiting in town."

When the booking the package, golfers can choose to play any of the three elite courses:

THE ROANOKE COUNTRY CLUB
Featuring three nine-hole courses that are played in 18-hole combinations, the Roanoke Country Club is widely recognized as the premier golfing facility in southwestern Virginia. Designed by legendary golf architect A.W. Tillinghast, the layout features 27 holes of exceptional golf.

HIDDEN VALLY COUNTRY CLUB
Hidden Valley Country Club is a private, family-oriented country club nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Club allows for personalized service in an inviting and familiar environment. Hidden Valley is a full-service club dedicated to providing members and their guests with one of the finest facilities in the Roanoke Valley.
-more-
PAGE 2/ HOTEL ROANOKE TEES UP

PETE DYERIVER COURSE OF VIRGINIA TECH
Selected as one of the best new public access courses in the United States by Golf Magazine, the Pete Dye River Course winds along 2.5 miles of the scenic and historic New River and many holes have been endeared with its presence. Panoramic views are the norm and the passing of an occasional train enhances the beauty of the surroundings. Originally designed by Daniel J. Schlegal of Ault and Clark Associates, the River Course has been newly renovated by world-renowned architect Pete Dye.

"We are delighted to partner with The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center to offer this wonderful package, which showcases championship golf in the Roanoke Valley," said XXX, Golf Professional at XYZ Course."

To learn more about The Hotel Roanoke Golf Package visit www.hotelroanoke.com/golf or call 1-866-222-TREE.

ABOUT THE HOTEL ROANOKE & CONFERENCE CENTER

Designated as a National Historic Landmark, the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center has 331 luxuriously appointed guestrooms and a 63,000-square-foot, high-tech conference center. It is a joint project of Hotel Roanoke LLC, the City of Roanoke and Virginia Tech and is managed as a Doubletree hotel by Hilton Hotels Corporation.

Gary Walton Honored With The President's Tourism Excellence Award

ROANOKE, VA. (May 11, 2009) - Gary Walton, general manager of The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center and The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center, received the Presidents' Tourism Excellence Award from the Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The Roanoke Valley CVB annually recognizes individuals for their contributions to tourism on the local and statewide levels with the lifetime achievement award.

"This award is presented by the Bureau's past presidents as recognition of an individual who exemplifies leadership, service and commitment to the tourism industry in the Roanoke Valley and even the Commonwealth of Virginia," said Catherine Fox, tourism director of the Roanoke Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau. "It is recognition of an individual's lifetime achievements in developing and promoting our great industry."

Walton, a 32-year veteran of the hospitality industry, has served in numerous positions and locations across the country, including general manager responsibilities in Denver, Phoenix, Atlanta, Overland Park, Kan., and Chapel Hill, N.C. He has also had regional responsibilities since moving to Roanoke in 1994. Walton is a native of Niles, Ohio, and a graduate of The Ohio State University.

His interest and experience in university-owned hotels and conference centers has been especially rewarding as he has successfully balanced the needs and mission of the university while managing profitable hotel operations. Including the Roanoke and Blacksburg properties, which are owned by Virginia Tech, Walton has had leadership roles with hotels owned by University of North Carolina, Duke University and the University of Florida.

Walton, a 22-year employee of Hilton Hotels Corporation, was recognized in 2001 as the General Manager of the Year by the Virginia Hospitality and Tourism Association and received the General Manager of the Year in 1993 for Doubletree Hotels. The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center, under his leadership, was recognized with the company's highest honors in 2003 - the Connie Award, and CARE Hotel of the Year.

The Third Annual Bridal Gala And Tea Show

ROANOKE, Va. (Jan. 28, 2009) - Sip some tea, sample some goodies, enjoy a fashion show and benefit the American Cancer Society in support of women's health issues at the third annual Bridal Gala and Tea show .

Set for Sunday, February 8, at The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center from 1-5 p.m., the show will present all the experts and services needed to help brides-to-be (and grooms, too!) visualize and experience the wedding of their dreams.

"There's so much that goes on that many future brides and grooms can become overwhelmed very quickly planning a wedding," said Debbie Haynes, manager of Brides House and Formals. "Our goal is to provide attendees with an elegant, intimate, bridal show where one-on-one attention can be given to each couple while benefiting a great cause."

Throughout the day, brides and grooms-to-be can explore the possibilities of their big day while sampling tea and delectable goodies. An upscale fashion show presenting fashions for the entire wedding party will take place from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for anyone planning a wedding no matter what stage of the process you're in," said Lester. "You'll have the chance to meet with more than 50 vendors that cover every aspect of your dream wedding. Hopefully this will help reduce the stress just a little."

Tickets are $7 per person and are available from Brides House and Formals, Belk of Tanglewood, Jewells Fine Jewelry in Salem. Proceeds benefit Women's Health Issues of the American Cancer Society. A limited number of tickets are available. For more information call 540.366.8360.

# # #

The Bridal Gala and Tea show is sponsored by The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center, Belk of Tanglewood, Brides House and Formals, Mr. Tuxedo, Jewells Fine Jewelry, Twig & Berry-A Floral Affair and The Knot Magazine.