Pull up a rocker and visit a while! They
know how to make you feel welcome in Bedford, and will help you
plan your stay even if it is just for one night. However, the
savvy travelers will want to spend a few days in this area rich
with historical, recreational, and cultural resources. This is
the perfect getaway- not too far away from home, and in a
relaxed, fun atmosphere. Nancy Drake shown above on the veranda
of the new Bedford Welcome Center.
nanci drake BIO IN BRIEF
that community as well. When we visited
recently we saw first hand what she has been able to do in just
four short years. She has surpassed all her achievements in
Franklin. The two Bedfords, both city and county, are now in
the serious tourism business, and that means jobs, and
revenues, and a brand new tourism center that would be the envy
of larger more prosperous communities.
BEDFORD BEGINNINGS
We met Nanci Drake in her new office in
the newly constructed 10,700 square foot, $1.7 million
• 2001—present: Bedford City
& County Director of Tourism;
• 1991—2001: Franklin Director
of Development & Management Services;
Main Street Director;
Main Street Director;
• 1985—2000: Santa Rosa FL
Industrial Development Authority Assistant Director;
• 2005—present: Board of the
Southeast Tourism Society;
• 2002—present: Bedford
International Alliance Board of Directors;
• 2001—present: Bedford Area
Chamber Board of Directors;
• 2003—present: American Red Cross
Board of Directors, Bedford Chapter;
• 2001—present: Blue Ridge
Parkway Association Board of Directors;
• 2001—present: Virginia
Convention & Visitors Bureau;
• 2001—present: Virginia
Hospitality & Travel Association;
• 2001—present: Southeast
Tourism Society;
• 2004—present: Bedford Main
Street—Organization Committee;
• 2004—present: East Lake
Business Association;
• Virginia Economic Development
Certification, Virginia Tech;
• CED—University of
Indianapolis at Purdue; and
• Graduate, Virginia Tourism &
Travel Institute, Virginia Tech.
