PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Paige Read Awarded the Jim Ricketts Award for DMO/CVB Employee of the Year

CULPEPER, VA – 9/17/2025 – The Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association (VRLTA) has honored Paige Read, Director of Tourism and Town Economic Development for Culpeper, with the Jim Ricketts Award for DMO/CVB Employee of the Year. The award, named for Virginia tourism icon Jim Ricketts, recognizes extraordinary contributions to tourism and community development across the Commonwealth.

Since 2014, Paige has transformed Culpeper into a premier travel destination through visionary leadership and innovative partnerships. She has secured millions of dollars in grants, launched award-winning initiatives such as Lake Culpeper Adventures, Culpeper VA 250, and was instrumental in establishing the Culpeper Battlefield State Park, Virginia’s 43rd state park.

Paige is equally committed to small business growth. She created the Culpeper Competes entrepreneurship program, co-launched the Piedmont Loan Fund, and directed over $2 million in relief funding to help local businesses during the pandemic. Her programs became models for neighboring counties across Virginia.

At the state level, Paige has made a lasting impact as President of the Virginia Association of Destination Marketing Organization (VADMO), where she spearheaded the launch of the Virginia Tourism Leadership Institute, raising the standard for professional development in the industry.

Her innovative work has also driven strong visibility, generating more than $24 million in earned media value in early 2025 alone. She continues to champion inclusive tourism initiatives such as Culpeper Uncovered, which highlights underrepresented histories and cultures, as well as creative events like Culpeperpalooza, CulpeperCon, and Culpeper Ghost Tours.

“This year’s Ordinary Awards was truly one for the books. With a record number of attendees and more interest in the program than ever before, it’s clear that the Ordinary Awards have become a centerpiece for celebrating Virginia’s hospitality and tourism community. On behalf of our Association, I congratulate Paige and all of this year’s winners and finalists for being exceptional examples of the best our industry has to offer,” stated Eric Terry, President of VRLTA.

Reflecting on the honor, Paige Read said, “Tourism is about more than attractions—it’s about people, partnerships, and opportunities that strengthen our communities. I am grateful to share this recognition with my team, our partners, and the incredible businesses that make Culpeper shine.”

With her passion, vision, and dedication, Paige Read has not only elevated Culpeper’s profile but has also set a new benchmark for tourism leadership in Virginia.

About Culpeper Tourism

Culpeper Tourism is responsible for promoting and marketing Culpeper as an attractive travel destination, enhancing the community’s public image as a dynamic place to not only visit, but live, work and play.  Through the impact of travel, we strengthen Culpeper’s economic position and provide opportunities for our citizens.

About the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association (VRLTA)

The Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association (VRLTA) is the unified voice of Virginia’s hospitality and tourism industries. Representing restaurants, hotels, attractions, and destination marketing organizations across the Commonwealth, VRLTA advocates for policies that support industry growth, provides professional development and networking opportunities, and promotes Virginia as a world-class destination. With a mission to strengthen and protect the hospitality and tourism sectors, VRLTA works to ensure Virginia remains a welcoming and vibrant place to live, work, and visit.

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