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April 30, 2003

The Caroline County Department of Economic Development and Tourism received the Governor’s Conference on Travel and Tourism Award for creating FoundersOfAmerica.org in 2002, a marketing entity that showcases early American historical tourism in Virginia.

Under the category, Special award for a Little Idea with Big Impact (Small Budget) the Caroline Development and Tourism office were honored for their creation of the site and its positive impact on the tourism industry throughout he Commonwealth.

The site was conceived and developed by Director of Economic Development, Gary Wilson, and designed by Tourism Coordinator, Karen Jenkins. FoundersOfAmerica.org has been endorsed by over 90 communities and attractions in the Commonwealth. The site has received special praise from Congresswoman, Jo Ann Davis and the Virginia Tourism Corporation.

Unique to the site is its blending of education, travel and tourism, and commerce to promote the Founding Fathers and early American history in Virginia. There is no cost for communities to participate in the site and major historical attractions are listed with only mutual web links as a condition for a presence on the site.

Mini biographies on the Virginia Founders, books, a gift shop, and a detailed travel map can be found on FoundersOfAmerica.org.

The benefit to Caroline County is that the site also features its own early American heroes, promotes travel in Caroline while providing a sales platform for Caroline products.

The awards ceremony, an annual event, was addressed by Governor Warner. The awards luncheon was held at the Tyson Corner Sheridan in Fairfax County.

Contact: Gary Wilson 804.633.4074