Cocoa and I packed up our bags and headed to Roanoke this Thursday to represent Alexandria, Virginia!

The Virginia Tourism Organization has created a new campaign to get more visitors to come and see our great state.  Their new slogan for Virginia is….”Live Passionately.”

They sought after folks that live passionately in Virginia and they found Cocoa and I.  The VTO came and met us and asked if we would like to represent Alexandria.  We didn’t have to think twice.  We said Bow-Wow and off we went.

The VTO paid all our expenses to come to Roanoke and be apart of the unveiling of their new marketing plan.

When we arrived, we were greeted by what seemed to be fans.  The VTO staff was there helping us unload and showing us around the Hotel Roanoke, (if you have never been to this hotel built in 1880, you must go see it) they were so delighted to have us there. Cocoa and I both felt like stars.

Once settled in we were served a scrumptious meal. Even Cocoa was allowed to join in. Elvis, our waiter, fell head over heels with Cocoa and served him a piece of Fillet Mignon! As we dined on our meal the VTO shared with the group of 300 marketeers for the state of Virginia how to market this new concept.  There was a lot of energy in the room. It was awesome to hear how they are working so hard to get people from all over the country to come to Virginia and see what a fabulous state we are and all that it has to offer.

The next step in this process was Cocoa and I had to get “dressed,” now not just gussied up, but 18th century dressed.  They made Cocoa a corn hat and I was in full dress to include a WHITE wig.  I don’t think Cocoa recognized me as he barked at me when I turned the corner and then ran.

The finale of their marketing conference was the unveiling of 8 portraits that will be publicized nationwide. We were 1 of the 8 and we were so proud when they introduced us as Cocoa and Kristina living and working passionately in Alexandria, Virginia.

You can read an article about the event here.

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