The Sweet Springs Resort Park Foundation Inc., a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit charitable organization that is dedicated to (1) the restoration of "Old Sweet" one of the most Historic National Landmarks in the United States, (2) increasing community economic development in a rural agricultural area - 2 new businesses have already opened since we opened the Historic Sweet Springs Turnpike Trail now a National Recreation Trail, (3) create various outdoor recreational activities in a rural agricultural area - The trail has had many local people and people from 7 states, the first of the mountain bikers has been on the trail, the interactive activities for children has been designed and used on the trail, we are about ready to meet the Allegheny Trail which will then make us part of the Appalachian Trail System, (4) decrease drug abuse in a rural area, and (5) increase various activities for youth in the region as there is nothing to do in this area.
The Sweet Springs Park is prepared to offer:
1. A Historic Jamestown Era Country Inn with staff in costume
2. Business areas for local business owners to open their own shops
3. Historic Park
4. Warm Water Healing Pool - the reason this region was colonized
5. 4 times named the purest unfiltered drinking water in the world
6. Sports Training
7. Weddings, Reunions, Business Meetings (already doing)
8. Museum
9. Historic Tours (already doing)
10. Driving Ranges
11. Mountain Biking - Hiking (already doing)
12. Music Festivals
13. Veterans Events (already doing)
14. Driving Ranges
15. Gift Shops
16. Become a UNESCO World Heritage Site
17. The Park is a member of Choose Clean Water Coalition (CCWC) - based on the Chesapeake Bay as the springs here are headwaters to the Bay.
Market Size
A. Country Inns .........................................................................................................................48% of travelers
B. Historic Landmarks .......................................................................................................... 76 million each year
C. Natural Historic Springs .................................................................................................. 173 million each year
D. Themed Restaurants ..................................................................................................... 1 trillion will be spent ..... does not include chain restaurants
E. Themed Parks/Hotels .................................................................................................... over 3 billion people
F. Hiking in the US ................................................................................................................ over 63 million people
G. Biking in the US ............................................................................................................... over 56 million people and growing constantly
H. Domestic Travel Visitors ............................................................................................. 2.29 billion people will travel within the US - grows annually
I. People that travel in winter months ..................................................................... Over 30 - 19% Baby Boomers - 62%
Market Growth
Using the above numbers there remains a constant growth in traveling and large increase in historic travel. The average growth is 5% to 12% annually. Of course, there are variables that might cause numbers to be a little lower one or two years - but in general there is growth.
Monetizing our Services
Sweet Springs is a gateway into WV. (Mid-Atlantic I-81 ... Center/North I-64 ... South I-79). There is also the famous Rt. 311 and Old Route 60
I-64 and Rt. 60 started out as a stagecoach trail offering a direct route from Washington DC to Sweet Springs as 8 of the first 10 Presidents frequented the "Old Sweet"
Target Market Promotions will consist of (but not limited to):
1. Historical Magazines
2. Travel Magazines
3. Social media - all forms
4. WV and VA State Tourism
5. Restaurant Associations and magazines
6. Healing, mineral, bathing, and warm water springs & spa media
7. Travel, retirement, and extended stay magazines, websites and social media
8. Local, business & travel shows, zoom meetings, Convention & Visitors Bureaus and travel agencies
9. Country Inn publications, word of mouth and a special Hospitality Program designed by the Marketing Director
Traction
So far the Sweet Springs Resort Park Foundation Inc., has accomplished the following:
A. Repair of all roofing that was allowing water damage to the historic buildings on site
B. Updated and opened the Historic Lewis House Bed & Breakfast
C. Hold annual events such as (1) Sustainability Forum, (2) MIA/POW Veterans Day, (3) Music Festivals, and (4) The famous House of Horrors and Hayride
D. Opened the Historic Turnpike Trail in October 2023 - Department of Interior named it a National Recreation Trail in June 2024
F. Completed 90% of landscaping on the ground of the historic landmark buildings
G. Started some demolition in the main hotel building
H. Started demolition of the Spa House
I. Started annual events and fundraisers (some are free to the public as a community enhancement)
J. Put new heating system into the Historic Lewis House B&B
K. Have been showcased on the Travel Channel
L. Replaced glass (old, waved glass - hard to find) in the hotel building to prevent water damage
M. Have set up at Trade Shows and local/regional events
N. Have gotten the students from James Monroe High School to join in with events
O. Have War reenactors that participate with MIA/POW Veterans Day in September
P. Have an Americorp worker for 2024
Team Experience
Mr. O. Ashby Berkley - Executive Director of Project
This is the 6th Historic Restoration Project for Mr. Berkley. In the past he has:
1. Opened the first Fish & Chip Restaurant in Lewisburg, WV
2. Opened the first and WV's largest Flea Market in Pence Springs, WV
3. Restored Governor Hatfield's old log cabin c1900 and opened the internationally famous Riverside Inn - named one of the top 300 Restaurants in the world - Colonial style with
staff in colonial costume.
4. Worked with Governor Moore and STARTED Tourism in WV
5. Founding Partner of WVHT&A - the businessman's voice in Legislature
6. Was sent by the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT to 7 post-war countries to teach hospitality methods, restoration methods, and marketing.
7. Co-Founder of Southern West Virginia Convention & Visitors Bureau - President for 12 years
8. Brought the Innkeepers Association into WV to help Country Inns and B&B's - served as President for 17 years.
9. Restored the oldest house in Alderson WV - The Ford House c1798
10. Restored the Pence Springs Water Bottling Plant c1880 and opened an Antique Shop & Restaurant
11. Restored the Pence Springs Boarding House c1780
12. Restored the old Golf House for the Pence Springs Hotel
13. Restored the Old Pence Springs Hotel c1900. It was originally a hotel, then the Eleanor Roosevelt Appalachian School for girls, then state prison. It was restored back to a hotel
and operated for 13 years successfully.
14. Ashby is a Master Chef - graduated with honors from the Culinary Institute of America
15. Member of the White House Tourism Committee
16. Board Member of the Summers & Monroe County Historic Landmarks Committees and Summers & Monroe County Historical Societies
Mrs. Arietta A. DuPre, Executive Director of Operations
Sweet Springs Resort Park
Sweet Springs Turnpike Trail
Sweet Springs Watershed Association
1. Started working at 12 years old
2. Started Supervising Restaurant at 15 years old
3. Has worked with Mr. Berkley for 40 years in Restoration Projects
4. Is a bookkeeper, grant writer, tax preparer, office supervisor, event coordinator, activities director, and more
5. This is the 5th Historic Restoration project for Arietta
6. Arietta holds a PhD in Counseling and Theological Theory and Christian Teaching .... A Masters in Ethics
8. Train the Trainer Program Leader
9. Specialized 1:1 Behavior Management Specialist
10. 9 years working at VOCA and Seneca Mental Health
11. On ground experience with designing restoration projects
12. Has been a supervisor or director at every job held
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