May 19, 2009

Ashley Barnett, Executive Director of the Washington-Wilkes Chamber of Commerce and Washington-Wilkes Tourism Director (left), and Alan Soto president of the Chamber of Commerce (right), told the Washington Kiwanis Club that the Chamber's tourism website is at least partially responsible for a 71 percent increase in packet requests over the last year. During Masters week the hotel tax was up more than 60 percent over last year. Barnett also mention the upcoming visit of the Bicycle Ride Across Georgia. There will be 1,600 riders and family members in Washington for the day, she said. Soto talked about new Chamber activities including, Chamber After Hours, Trade Specific Town Hall Meetings, and participation in City and County Government meetings. He said that Mule Day, scheduled for October 10, will have a more family-friendly emphasis. Louise Maynard was program host.