Local leaders recognized during Richmond Region Tourism’s Awards and Annual Meeting

RICHMOND, Va. (May 7, 2024) – Richmond Region Tourism renamed its hallmark leadership award after its current CEO and president Jack Berry before his retirement later this year at the organization’s annual Awards and Annual Meeting this week. The inaugural award was presented to Berry in front of a packed ballroom at the Greater Richmond Convention Center on May 7.

About 400 people attended the event which celebrated the region’s ongoing tourism successes and recognized the people and organizations fueling the area’s tourism growth.

The region saw record occupancy and visitor spending last year, welcoming 17.5 million visitors who spent $3.5 billion and supported more than 27,600 jobs.

The meeting also included a live interview with Berry and remarks from incoming president and CEO Katherine O’Donnell.

Berry received the Jack Berry Tourism Impact Award for his role in helping the region leverage its historic, cultural and natural assets to create record-setting visitation and tourism spending during his three-decade career as president and CEO. The former Tourism Impact Award was renamed in his honor. He retires from Richmond Region Tourism on June 30.

“Jack is an unparalleled and accomplished leader who has dedicated his career over several decades to the success of the Richmond Region,” said Lisa Sims, board chair for Richmond Region Tourism. “We are thrilled to honor his contributions and continue his legacy by naming this award in his honor.”

Todd “Parney” Parnell received the Chairman’s Award presented by Dominion Energy. The former Richmond Flying Squirrels’ operation chief and current senior advisor was recognized for his years of leadership and dedication to minor league baseball and the team’s impact on the region.

Richmond Region Tourism also announced the following awards:

Partner of the Year presented by Richmond Times-Dispatch: Colonial Downs® & Rosie’s Gaming Emporium®
MVP Sports Award presented by The 288 Group: Forrest Lodge, Director of Strategic Planning, Sportable
Restaurant of the Year presented by Woodford Reserve: Liz Kincaid, Owner, RVA Hospitality
Hotel of the Year presented by Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association: Holiday Inn Express Richmond – Midtown
Event of the Year presented by Kings Dominion & Soak City: CARMAX Tacky Light Run
Tourism Leadership Award presented by McGuireWoods LLC: Nicole Neale, Owner, Ms. Niki Tours, LLC
Customer Service Award presented by TowneBank: Andrew Wilhelm, Operations Officer, Capital Region Airport Commission/Richmond International Airport

“Our tourism community is incredible, and we’re thankful for the contributions of this year’s winners,” said O’Donnell. “Tourism is a powerful economic engine that’s supporting and uplifting our community. As we work to ensure the Richmond Region is one of the best destinations in the country, this year’s honorees are helping us get there.”

Proceeds from the Tourism Awards and Annual Meeting benefit the Richmond Region Tourism Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Richmond Region Tourism aimed at advancing the local hospitality industry by supporting and investing in local education, diversity and inclusion and sports tourism programs.

During the event, the Foundation announced the three recipients of its annual scholarship program for students enrolled at Virginia State University’s Hospitality Management program. Kiersten Nichols, Naadiya Al-Salam and Taylor Haynesworth received $1,000 scholarships.

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About Richmond Region Tourism

Richmond Region Tourism includes the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico and New Kent as well as the city of Richmond, the city of Colonial Heights and town of Ashland. The organization’s primary funding comes from a portion of the transient lodging tax that hotel guests pay. RRT also is partially funded by the Greater Richmond Convention Center Authority (GRCCA) and from local partners and sponsors.

Dumfries, VA (September 27, 2023) – Rosie’s Gaming Emporium (“Rosie’s) donated $10,000 to First Tee of Prince William County this past Friday via its Rosie’s Gives Back program at Old Hickory Golf Club in Woodbridge.

WHAT: Check donation to First Tee of Prince William County (Photo attached below)*

WHERE: Old Hickory Golf Club, 11921 Chanceford Drive, Woodbridge, VA 22192

WHEN: Friday, September 22, 2023

WHY: To assist the First Tee of Prince William County in its efforts to serve all children in the community, especially those who might not have otherwise had an opportunity, by building and developing critical life and character skills through lessons learned in the game of golf. The program is in 34 elementary, four (4) middle and six (6) high schools in the County. Local courses affiliated with First Tee are public and private and open to all program participants.

Rosie’s Gives Back is the company’s corporate giving program, which invests and donates to organizations in the communities where it has operations. The goal of the Rosie’s Gives Back program is to meaningfully improve the quality of life in the communities where team members live and work. The company also partners with state-wide programs for the broadest impact possible.

Since 2021, Rosie’s Gives Back has provided more than $181,000 in donations to 97 local charitable organizations and causes in Prince William County. The charitable giving arm has delivered more than $2,626,118 in direct monetary or in-kind donations and logged over 2,500 service hours in Virginia communities. Rosie’s in Dumfries opened in 2021 and provides more than 120 local jobs and generate approximately $1.5 million in annual tax revenue for the Town of Dumfries.

Grand Opening celebrations included donation of $25,000 to local non-profit organizations

At a ceremonial outdoor ribbon cutting, Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI”) (NASDAQ: CHDN) announced today that Rosie’s Gaming Emporium (“Rosie’s) is now open in Emporia. Rosie’s, located on West Atlantic Street and convenient to Interstate 95, features 150 slots-like gaming machines, simulcast horse racing, a restaurant and bar. At the event, Rosie’s displayed its commitment to the community by donating $25,000 to five (5) local charities: the Family YMCA of Emporia/Greenville, Community Youth Center, Ltd, Emporia Greenville Recreation Association, Communities in Schools of Virginia and H.E.A.R Me Out Inc.

Jack Sours, Vice President of Gaming Operations for CDI, stated, “It is very exciting to be opening the seventh Rosie’s in Virginia. The opening of this Rosie’s adds to our tremendous success in the state and takes us to the Southern border for the first time. The Emporia location builds on our commitment to provide more than one thousand jobs and generate significant tax revenues across the Commonwealth by bringing together gaming enthusiasts and the community to experience an exciting and fun activity.”

Jeremy Callahan, General Manager at the Emporia location, said, “I am so pleased to be part of the expansion of Rosie’s in Virginia. We have built a team that is fully committed to delivering a fun experience and economic development to the Emporia community and we are ready to play!”

Rosie’s in Emporia will be open Sunday – Thursday from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 a.m. It will create more than 100 local jobs and generate approximately $1 million in annual tax revenue for the City of Emporia.

Since opening in Virginia just five years ago, Rosie’s and Colonial Downs have invested more than $400 million in the Commonwealth; created over 1200 new jobs; and now contribute $54 million a year in state and local tax revenue.

The Dumfries, Virginia, Resort to Open in Spring 2024

LOUISVILLE, KY., (August 17, 2023) – Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: CHDN) announced today the promotion of Bobbi Sample to General Manager of The Rose Gaming Resort (“The Rose”) in Dumfries, Virginia. (Photo attached) In this role, Sample will oversee all operations of The Rose that will include a luxury hotel, eight bars and restaurants, a cultural venue, meeting and event space and over 80 acres of green space. The Rose is expected to open in Spring 2024.

Sample is a veteran hospitality operator who brings over 25 years of leadership experience in the gaming and entertainment industries, most recently serving as the General Manager for Ocean Downs Casino in Berlin, Maryland, where she assisted in opening the $54 million casino property and hiring and training 200 team members. Sample is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is a graduate of the University of Delaware. Prior to her employment with CDI, Sample held leadership positions at Delaware Park Casino and Racetrack and White Clay Creek Country Club at Delaware Park.
“Bobbi’s leadership is a great addition to The Rose, and I look forward to working with her as we move toward the highly anticipated opening and the many benefits this project will have for the community.” said Jack Sours, Vice President of Gaming Operations for CDI.

“I’m honored and excited to further my career with CDI as the company continues to expand and create extraordinary experiences in Virginia.” said Sample. “We’re prepared to hit the ground running and I’m eager to welcome new team members to the Churchill Downs family over the coming months.”

Sample’s promotion is effective immediately. CDI has initiated a search to fill the position of General Manager of Ocean Downs Casino.

Effort to Bring a Rosie’s Gaming Emporium Owned by Churchill Downs, Builds Momentum in the City

*** If Pari-mutuel Referendum Approved by Voters this Fall, Entertainment Facility Will Generate Long Needed New Tax Revenue
and Create Well-Paying Jobs in Manassas Park ***

Manassas Park – August 14, 2023 –Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) announced today a formal court order has been issued placing a pari-mutuel referendum on the Manassas Park ballot on November 7. The order follows a successful petition drive to gain signatures of at least 5% of the registered voters in the city asking that the matter be placed on this fall’s ballot.

Speaking about the strong local support for the petition effort and the upcoming election, CDI Chief Executive Officer Bill Carstanjen stated, “Churchill Downs is excited to have this opportunity to bring our iconic brand and this new entertainment opportunity to Manassas Park. Rosie’s is all about fun with a stage for live band performances, a terrific menu, an opportunity to watch a game or the horses run anywhere in the country, and yes – pari-mutuel gaming. We are already seeing tremendous enthusiasm and support for what we are proposing in Manassas Park. We plan to deliver entertainment, millions of dollars in new tax revenue to the city, and well-paying jobs. We can’t wait to share all the great news about Rosie’s and Churchill Downs with the voters of Manassas Park in the weeks ahead.”

Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums have found tremendous success already in Dumfries, Richmond, Hampton, Vinton, and New Kent County. As partners in those communities, Rosie’s generates economic development, employs local team members, and gives back to local causes and programs.

Manassas Park Councilman Michael Carrera, who served as the petitioner for the signature effort, stated, “I am excited that Churchill Downs has selected the City of Manassas Park for expansion if this measure passes. The immediate major benefit will be increased tax revenues that we have long needed that will assist with additional city services and that will provide the opportunity for much needed property tax reduction for our residents. But the full opportunity is so much greater than that. This is an opportunity for Manassas Park to be associated with Churchill Downs – the biggest name in horse racing and one of the foremost names in entertainment in the country. Rosie’s will be a world class entertainment destination and will help our local businesses grow with greater visibility and new customers. I urge all my fellow residents to vote yes for pari-mutuel gaming. It’s truly a vote for a better and stronger Manassas Park!”

Carrera recently joined fellow Manassas Park council members Laura Hampton, Darryl Moore, and Yesenia Amaya in penning a commentary piece in the Prince William Times supporting the upcoming campaign and noting, “We need new revenue-generating businesses to grow our economy and reduce taxes. Especially businesses bringing revenue from outside Manassas Park into our community. The proposed Rosie’s Gaming Emporium will do just that. If approved by voters, Rosie’s Gaming Emporium will generate millions in new tax revenue to help ease pressure on taxpayers and create new well-paying jobs in Manassas Park. This is exactly the kind of opportunity we need.”
https://www.princewilliamtimes.com/opinion/letter-manassas-park-needs-a-lower-tax-rate-a-rosie-s-gaming-facility-can-help/article_105365c4-3241-11ee-a480-d7005d948f2f.html

To learn more about the pari-mutuel referendum, Rosie’s and Churchill Downs please visit: www.manassasparkwins.com

Nominations for Virginia-Bred Stakes Day at Colonial Downs, which headlines opening week festivities on Saturday July 15 with a four-pack of $125,000 turf stakes for Virginia-bred and Virgnia-sired horses, closed on July 1.

The top three finishers in the 2022 Edward P. Evans Stakes were among 20 who nominated for the one-mile turf test open to three-year-olds and up. Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Twin Creeks Racing Stables’ Largent, Ten Strike Racing’s Alex Joon and Ballyerin Racing’s Kendama may be poised for a rematch.

In addition to last year’s Evans victory, Largent captured the 2020 edition along with the Bert Allen Stakes the same year. The 7-year-old Into Mischief gelding, bred by Lazy Lane Farms, has bankrolled $609,320 from seven wins and five seconds. Alex Joon, who finished one-half length behind Largent, has earned $232,399 from 25 starts. In addition to his second, the 6-year-old Flatter gelding won a turf allowance at Colonial one month after the Evans. Kendama took third in both the Evans and Bert Allen Stakes and sandwiched a second between the pair in a New Kent turf allowance. The 6-year-old Uncle Mo gelding was bred by Audley Farm Equine.

The top three Punch Line Stakes finishers from last year also nominated including D Hatman Thoroughbreds and Kingdom Bloodstock’s Determined Kingdom, who prevailed by a convincing 5 ½ lengths. The 4-year-old Animal Kingdom gelding was also best in the ’21 Jamestown Stakes. The Phil Schoenthal trainee, also bred by Audley Farm Equine, has earned $250,189 from 15 outings. Larry Johnson’s Embolden, the Punch Line runner-up, also took second in the ’20 Evans and reached the winners circle in the ’19 Jamestown. The Michael Trombetta trainee has a robust $342,641 bankroll. Ed & Susie Orr’s Boldor finished third in the ’22 Punch Line and won the Meadow Stable Stakes last summer. The Steve Asmussen trainee captured the 2021 Punch Line and boasts a bankroll of $562,183.

Reiley McDonald’s 7-year-old Hold Me Back gelding Passion Play nominated as well. In 2021, he won both the Evans and Bert Allen Stakes. The Mary Eppler trainee has a career bankroll of $311,497 from 26 starts. In all, 23 horses, age three and up, nominated for the 18th running of the Punch Line to be contested at 5 ½ furlongs.

2022 M. Tyson Gilpin Stakes winner Chambeau heads a list of 17 nominees to the 2023 edition, slated for fillies and mares three and up at 5 ½ furlongs. Owned and bred by Sam English II, the lightly raced 6-year-old Karakontie mare has made just five life starts — all last year. Robert D. Bone and Edward J. Brown Jr.’s Carolina Sun, second in last year’s Gilpin, also nominated. The 4-year-old Summer Front filly, bred by Susan Cooney, had a trio of top three finishes at Colonial last summer. Stonestreet Stables’ Aisha R N, an Asmussen trainee, nominated as well and is fresh off a turf allowance triumph at Lone Star May 11. This year’s stakes has been renamed to also include former VTA Executive Director Glenn Petty in its title, along with Gilpin.

The Brookmeade Stakes, for fillies and mares three and up at 1 1/16th miles, attracted 15 nominations including Chambeau — also nominated for the Gilpin/Petty — and ’22 Jamestown runner-up Bee Mountain. The latter is trained by Ferris Allen and was bred by Audley Farm Equine. Another nominee — Morgan’s Ford Farm’s Surya — had a maiden special weight and an allowance turf win at Colonial last summer. The 4-year-old daughter of Street Sense is trained by Brittany Russell.

Entries close for the Commonwealth four-pack on Wednesday July 12. Colonial Downs ushers in its annual summer racing season Thursday September 13 at 1:30 PM. The 9-week campaign continues through September 9 with cards every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 1:30 PM.

Determined Kingdom, winner of the 2022 Punch Line Stakes, has nominated to the 2023 edition, set for July 15 (Coady Photography).

NEW KENT, Va. (WRIC) — On Tuesday, March 28, the team at New Kent’s Colonial Downs race track set fire to the famous Secretariat Turf Course in preparation for the 2023 horse racing season, which is currently set to begin July 13.

Forget trailblazers — the day was all about “track-blazing.”

Because of Virginia’s burn law, which forbids any open flames before 4 p.m., the Colonial Downs team — in partnership with the New Kent Fire Department — waited until just about 4:01 p.m. to get the blaze going. But within two hours, the flames had charred the old layer of grass. It’s a crucial part of preparing the course’s foundation for the new season.

Spokesperson Dave Zenner explained how the smoky sight and smell signal a fresh season ahead.

“It’s really like the kick start of the year,” Zenner said.

Setting fire to the track happens in lieu of traditional methods like mowing or trimming. This modernized method makes the preparation process quicker and more efficient.

“It allows us to get the top layer, the dead layer of grass off and get it off quickly,” Zenner said. “And it puts nutrients into the soil.”

Hold your horses, the New Kent Fire Department was on standby, ensuring the fire remained on-track. This all as the crew celebrated this new season, marking the 50th anniversary of the course’s namesake — famous Virginia-bred racehorse Secretariat’s — Triple Crown win.

Zenner told 8News that Virginia has always been home to powerhouse racers and this year is no different.

“One of the biggest horses for the Kentucky Derby, by the name of Forté,” Zenner started. “He’s definitely the favorite right now, [he] was Virginia bred.”

The Secretariat turf course also happens to be the widest course in the entire country and it’s right here in central Virginia. Once burned through, crew members will add a fresh layer of dirt. Then shortly after, it’s off to the races.

“When you start seeing those things happen, you really know things are getting close,” Zenner said.

WHAT: Yates Construction will host a traditional “Topping Out” ceremony to highlight progress in the building of The Rose Gaming Resort in Dumfries. When fully built, the $400 million investment project will include up to a 350-room hotel, more than 50,000 square feet of gaming space, eight bars and restaurants, a cultural venue, a space for meetings and events, and over 80 acres of green space with miles of bike and fitness trails, athletic fields, and a playground.

WHEN: Thursday, January 5, 10:45 am

WHERE: 3730 Greentree Lane, Dumfries VA 22026 (This is a construction site so dress appropriately – hardhats are not required during the topping out.)

WHY: The Rose Gaming Resort will generate an estimated $59 million in annual tax revenues and have more than 600 team members. This project will also enhance community partnerships.

HOW: Brief remarks will be made by Dumfries Mayor Derrick Wood and other project leaders as part of the ceremony.