Pat Sharkey Retires as Floyd’s First Tourism Director Floyd County’s very first Tourism Director, Pat Sharkey, retired from her position at the end of July after serving for eight years. Jewelrymaker and owner of Earth Dance Jewelry and Gems, Pat was also active and involved in the arts, as well as Floyd community-building efforts. This included community service with multiple nonprofit organizations such as The Jacksonville Center for the Arts, Sustain Floyd, and the Blue Ridge Center for Chinese Medicine. She also worked for the state’s Round the Mountain program which resulted in the development of art tourism trails in the organization’s Southwest Virginia coverage area. And finally, Pat also served as the Program Manager for a federally funded, employability enhancement program in Floyd. John McEnhill, Executive Director of the Floyd Chamber of Commerce, has a long history of working with Pat. Not only was Pat a Chamber of Commerce board member, but when McEnhill was the Floyd Art Center’s Executive Director, Pat was the Center’s long-time Winterfest Coordinator, as well as the coordinator of the Floyd County Artisan Trail Tour. “She was an excellent fit as the first tourism director,” says McEnhill, “given her experience, knowledge of Floyd, and extensive connections in the Floyd Community. She was able to hit the ground running with many highly effective working relationships already in place. It seems like she knows just about every other person in Floyd.” One of Sharkey’s first accomplishments was creating the county’s first dedicated tourism website, which has become a go-to resource for both visitors and residents. It has a comprehensive calendar 22 www.Facebook.com/FloydVirginiaMagazine
listing events and activities, as well as local business information and resources, and economic development support. She also worked in partnership with the Chamber to establish the fully staffed Floyd Visitor Center; open seven days a week and located near the stoplight in downtown Floyd. She had a significant role in the development or expansion of many events, such as the Floyd County Health Fair and the Floyd County Livestock and County Fair. She tirelessly set up and staffed booths to promote Floyd County at events such as the Bluegrass Festival, FloydFest, the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Conference and Festival, and Yoga Jam. Sharkey effectively utilized many funding opportunities to create themed promotional campaigns in Floyd, such as “50 Years of Love” and “WanderLove”. She developed the Cycle Floyd initiative that created a cycling guide and other resources to support and promote cycling to focus on the outdoor recreation market in Floyd. “Pat has helped numerous businesses in Floyd complete Virginia Tourism Corporation Marketing Leverage Grant (MLG) applications to bring thousands of marketing dollars into Floyd,” says Kayla Cox, Town Manager for Town of Floyd. “The town has worked closely with her on multiple successful MLG applications, including our tear-sheet walkable map project. She has poured her heart and soul into building relationships with our local businesses, regional stakeholders, and community members.” Floyd County Community and Economic Development Director, Lydeana Martin, also has great respect and appreciation for Sharkey.
Fall/Winter 2021-2022
