Alleghany Highlands Releases Outdoor Lovers Video   The secret is out... and so is our video. People have discovered that the Alleghany Highlands is a great place to visit for endless outdoor fun. We have beautiful mountain scenery along with trails for hiking, biking, running and horse riding. We have rivers and lakes for paddling and fishing. Not to mention great places to camp or enjoy a picnic. Now that the secret is out everyone should know. The Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism has released a new Outdoor Lovers Video with a unique twist. The concept for the video was developed by Mikula-Harris, a Vinton-based advertising agency specializing in tourism. Their creative team envisioned a unique twist on a flash mob scenario. It was filmed by Sam Dean Photography and directed by David Harris the Creative Director at Mikula-Harris. “Video is an excellent marketing tool for promoting tourism and online viewing of videos is growing rapidly. We wanted the Alleghany Highlands to benefit from this powerful medium,” said David Mikula, president of Mikula-Harris. The entire video was shot in front of the Alleghany Highlands Visitors Center and shows all types of outdoor activities that one can pursue in the area. From horseback riding to kayaking to camping to picnicking, all the great outdoor adventures are represented. The video was shot in August and just released through the Visit Alleghany Highlands website and through YouTube to reach outdoor enthusiasts planning their spring and summer vacations. “We would like to thank all those that participated in and supported the video and their willingness to endure the heat and bugs and still look happy to be involved”, states Kara Asboth special projects manager for the video. We would like to thank the following people for participating and providing props: Drema Bennett and her beautiful horse Goldie; Amy Washburn, Drew Craft and their dog Lily; Derrick Barr; Esther Allman; Levi Allman; Jessi Allman; Paul and Brenda Linkenhoker; Teresa Johnson; Jeremy and Erin Bartley; Clay Jones; Cody Altizer; Martha Atherholt; Sandor, Bentleigh, Grayson and Carter Asboth; Angie Persinger; Dana Humphreys; Grayson Siers; Tiffany, Payton, Rylee and Richard Reynolds; Heather Young; Ross Hammond; Michael Henderson; Greg Vess; Pat Howard; Justin Crawford; Tom, Anne, Dongwei Wang, and Frank Fu; Tripp Hammond; Ashley Cousins; and Kristen Moses. The video was edited to create a 30 second commercial that will air on WSLS, WDBJ, and Comcast in the Richmond area. Funding for this project was provided by the Alleghany Foundation and the Virginia Tourism Corporations Marketing Leverage Program. “We have been working with Mikula Harris for the past four years in creating a special brand for the Alleghany Highlands and once again they have come through with a unique and exciting way to showcase all that our area has to offer. In addition, our outdoor amenities are showcased in our Blueway and Trails websites and brochures”, states Teresa Hammond executive director for the chamber. Asboth adds, “We invite you to view the video at www.visitalleghanyhighlands.com/video or on Alleghany Highlands of Virginia on YouTube. Feel free to share the video with everyone you know and we would love to see you enjoying the outdoor adventures in the Alleghany Highlands.” Please visit our websites at www.alleghanyhighlandsblueway.com, and .

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