Virginia Leaders Welcome |
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On Wednesday, August 11, 2010, members of the Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Assoc., Virginia Carroll, President, and the Mount Rogers Christmas Tree Growers Assoc., John Rosser, President, hosted a tour of the Blue Ridge Parkway for with visits to Mabry Mill for a historical perspective of life in the Virginia mountains 150 years ago. |
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An hour later the NCTA tour was at the beautiful Chateau Morrisette Winery, with Manager, John Sholar showing the production methods at the winery. After the wine tasting at the premier winery of the Commonwealth, the NCTA group enjoyed local music by the Reed Island Rounders with Betty Vornbrock, Billy Cornette, and James Ruchala. |
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So that the guests from all over the United States and Canada could sample Virginia cuisine, Chateau Morrisette's Event Manager, Allie Mannon, arranged for the chef to prepare "Shrimp and Grits," along with "Virginia Baked Ham," and all the "fixin's" for a fine luncheon! |
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State Forester, Carl Garrison, III, and Assistant Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, Matt Conrad, gave presentations about how important agriculture and forestry, and in fact the number one industry in Virginia, thus the Christmas tree industry, are to all of us in the state! |
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Saturday's tour was to the Mount Rogers Fraser Seed Orchard at the Grayson County State Park, in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Virginia Department of Forestry, where everyone was able to see our mature seed forest and learn of the preparation of our future seed orchard. The Mount Roger Fraser fir is thought by some as the finest quality Fraser fir seed for Christmas trees! |
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Special thanks to Danny Neel, VDACS; Kent Lewis, VDACS; David Robishaw, VDACS; and Kevin Spurlin, VA Extension Service for their support during the NCTA Annual Meeting and Trade Show! |
Appreciation to Governor Bob McDonnell, and to Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, Todd Haymore, for helping to arrange such a fun and educational opportunity for members of NCTA to experience the beautiful mountains of Southwest Virginia! |
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