Appomattox says no thanks to tourism offer

By Sarah Watson

Published: October 14, 2008

Unless a new offer is made, a proposal to share a tourism program between the Town of Appomattox and Lynchburg is dead.

Appomattox Town Council voted 4-2 against accepting the offer. A counter-offer to Lynchburg’s proposal also was rejected by the same margin.

In August, Lynchburg Convention and Visitors Bureau Tourism Director Beckie Nix proposed a plan for both localities to combine efforts as a way to save money and increase benefits.

The plan proposed a six-month term with the option of several monthly renewal periods for transitions were either party not happy with the agreement.

Several council members were concerned about the proposal’s intent, which was to form a long-term working relationship with Lynchburg rather than a temporary fix while the town searches for a new tourism director.

Nix resigned as the town’s tourism director in August. Council members argued that the town needs a full-time director.

Currently, Appomattox County Tourism Director Anne Dixon is filling in as needed.

A counter-offer, which also was rejected, proposed that the town search for a new director during the six-month period with the option of the monthly agreements until a new director was found.

Council approved advertising for a new tourism director 4-2.