Moore County Featured in April 2007 Delta Sky Magazine Community Profile

SOUTHERN PINES, NC — MARCH 28, 2007 — Community leaders and business executives gathered at Forest Creek Country Club this evening for the unveiling of a comprehensive 26-page community profile appearing in the April 2007 issue of Delta’s in-flight magazine, Sky.  Entitled “Portrait:  Pinehurst/Southern Pines – A world-class life in the Carolina Sandhills,” the project was a collaboration between Pace Communications (creators of the profile sections in several in-flight publications) and the Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Moore County Chamber of Commerce and Partners in Progress, the County’s economic development organization.

The profile provided a unique opportunity, only afforded to 3 or 4 communities each year. It’s also particularly timely, with the return of commercial air service to the region through Delta connection carrier Atlantic Southeast Airlines between Moore County Airport (SOP) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport last month. The issue will be read by 3.4 million passengers traveling to 461 destinations in 96 countries during the month.

Area residents who’ve seen the portrait have enjoyed a strong sense of community pride, and showcasing Moore County on the national and worldwide stage is a exclusive opportunity for the entire county. The photographic and editorial coverage reveals what makes Moore County such a popular place to choose to visit, live or do business. “I think the story captures our philosophy and strategies for business and industry development very well,” said Ray Ogden, Executive Director of Moore County Partners in Progress. “We are pleased to get this kind of national and international exposure.”

The portrait content covers in great detail area businesses, growth tactics and economic development opportunities, as well as our education system, healthcare, and tourism industry. It also shines a light on economic and quality of life advantages, and focuses on the drivers that make Moore County distinctive, such as the quaint downtowns, golf and equestrian pursuits, and pottery. “This portrait does an excellent job at capturing our unique quality of life,” said Patrick Coughlin, President of the Moore County Chamber of Commerce. “It’s not just that we live in a resort-style community. The pace of our lifestyle and warmth of our people comes right off the page. That is why Moore County is such a great place to own and operate a business.”

The profile is expected to generate new visitation to the destination, where tourism currently generates in excess of $326 million annually.  It will also increase awareness and usage of the commercial air service at Moore County Airport via Delta/ASA.  Area resorts, inns, hotels, golf courses, restaurants, pottery and equestrian pursuits are all prominently featured within the profile. “Introducing the timeless, quaint charm and beauty of the Pinehurst/Southern Pines and the destination brand to frequent travelers via this format is an opportunity our area couldn’t pass up,” said Caleb Miles, President & CEO of the Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Leveraging partnerships with area hospitality businesses and organizations through Delta Sky (Pace Communications) provided exceptional value.  We couldn’t be more pleased with the final product and results!”

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The Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is an economic development organization and non-profit authority of Moore County, North Carolina. The CVB mission is to promote the area as a destination for visitors, meetings, conventions and tours. The CVB is funded primarily by a three percent hotel / motel room occupancy tax paid by visitors to Moore County.