Thursday, May 30, 2024

City Prepares for All-America City Competition Next Week

Newport News is one of 20 communities selected as a finalist for the National Civic League’s All-America City Award! The annual event and competition take place next week, June 7-9 in Denver. Finalist teams, representing 11 states, ranging in size from 3,000 residents to over 700,000, will present the story of their work to a jury of nationally recognized civic leaders.

Attendees will be immersed in a dynamic program featuring workshops, panel discussions, and peer learning sessions led by national thought leaders and practitioners. The event will culminate with the closing ceremony, where this year’s winners will be announced. Out of 20 finalists, 10 will be named All-America Cities. 

Our presentation will highlight the transformative and inclusive projects in Newport News that perfectly reflect the All-America Cities 2024 theme of Strengthening Democracy through Local Action and Innovation. The three groundbreaking initiatives, also submitted in our proposal, are engaging community members of all ages and backgrounds, making our city stronger today and for future generations. We look forward to sharing our story of how we are building forward in Newport News and hope to return from Denver with the title in-hand! To stay up to date on our All-America City journey, follow our social media pages @CityofNN.

Now in its 75th year, the All-America City Award uncovers and celebrates the finest examples of American civic innovation by inviting communities across the country to apply for recognition based on the strength of their civic capital – the formal and informal relationships, networks, and capacities that enable communities to solve problems and thrive. This is the first time Newport News has applied for this award. For more information on the National Civil League and the All-America City program, visit their website. 

Newport News Tourism Celebrates National Travel and Tourism Week, May 19-25

Luncheon Honors Award Winners

The Newport News Tourism Professional of the Year Award and the Breakthrough Experiences Award were presented during the annual Newport News Tourism Appreciation Luncheon May 21 at the Newport News Marriott at City Center.

The luncheon was hosted by Newport News Tourism in celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week and included the presentation of two $500 scholarships by the Newport News Hospitality Association.

The 2023 Gregory Cherry Tourism Professional of the Year Award was presented by City Manager Alan Archer to Enrique Linares. The honoree is the Kitchen Supervisor with Second Street Bistro in Newport News.

According to the nomination letter, Linares “exemplifies the qualities of a true tourism professional: dedication, innovation, leadership, and a genuine commitment to creating an unforgettable dining experience for guests. His contributions to culinary excellence over the past two decades are truly deserving of recognition.”

The Gregory Cherry Award is given annually to a hospitality industry employee who demonstrates superior customer service while also promoting travel and tourism in the city. It was named in memory of Greg Cherry, a former travel counselor at the Newport News Visitor Center and owner of the James A. Fields House, who died in 2007.

The Breakthrough Experiences Award, created last year, is presented to an attraction, restaurant, establishment, or entrepreneur who goes above and beyond to build new opportunities in Newport News. This year’s award was presented to Chef Kenny Sloane, owner of three Newport News restaurants and the soon-to-be-opened Chef’s Market Food Hall & Butcher Shop, a 17,000-square-foot marketplace at Mariners Row and Merchants Walk in City Center.

As noted by City Manager Alan Archer when presenting the award, Sloane “isn’t just creating a dining destination — he’s crafting unforgettable breakthrough experiences for both visitors and residents alike with the opening of Chef’s Market Food Hall.”

The two $500 scholarships given by the Newport News Hospitality Association were presented to Mia Goodrich, a soon-to-be graduate of Achievable Dream High School, and Laila Patel, a graduating senior at Grafton High School.

In addition to the awards luncheon, a daylong Familiarization Tour of Newport News attractions was held May 23 for front-line personnel and local visitor center staff members, along with regional hospitality industry professionals. The following day, the East Coast Gateway Welcome Center held a “Thank the Visitor Day” to greet visitors and thank them for traveling. Earlier in the month, Norfolk International Airport held a similar event.