View Photo Gallery

Surrounded by the splendor that is Virginia, the Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau officially opened for business on Thursday at its Hanover County location just off Interstate 95 at Bass Pro Shops.

When the outdoor-theme store opened its doors in October, bringing 400 new jobs, residents and visitors alike discovered a world unique to the Commonwealth.

The company welcomed the Visitor Center, offering a location near the entrance with enough space for a variety of brochures of Hanover County and the Greater Richmond area, as well as “Who Knew” DVD streaming across a television touting the adventures available.

Those stopping by the Visitor Center, which will be manned by RMCVB personnel Friday through Sunday, can ask questions, get directions, make hotel reservations and obtain information about the Historic Richmond Region.

Since Bass Pro Shops joined the Hanover County business community, sales have been brisk for the privately-held company. The store designed and built the Visitor Center in order to keep with the Bass Pro decor.

Participating in the ribbon-cutting ceremony were Dave Kaechele, chairman of the RMCVB Board of Directors and a member of the Henrico County Board of Supervisors; Greg Bulkley, general manager of Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World; G. Ed Via III, vice chairman of the Hanover County Board of Supervisors; Cecil R. “Rhu” Harris Jr., Hanover County administrator; and State Sen. Ryan McDougle, R-Hanover.

Kaechele said he was appearing in a dual capacity, with his seat on the RMCVB board and as a supervisor in Henrico, talked about how important tourism has become to the metro area. “It’s a big, huge business,” with 5.5 million tourists passing through each year.

Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World off Interstate 95 in Hanover County, Va

Citing “the great economic benefit” of $1.8 billion from tourists, Kaechele also said the Visitor Center joining with Bass Pro Shops will lead to “big dividends.”
“Tourism and destinations,” Bulkley said make for “a perfect fit.” He said Bass Pro Shops is a “very small private company,” with 54 stores nationwide.

With pride, he pointed out that “25 percent more people walk through them all then all major league games combined.”

He also said he looks “forward to a great partnership.”

“Thanks for inviting Hanover County to participate,” said Via. “We are pleased to have Bass Pro Shops.” He called the store “a magnet to stop and shop” and “a gateway to the Richmond area.”

The supervisor also noted that he represents Hanover County as its representative on the RMCVB Board of Directors. “On behalf of the board [RMCVB], I extend a warm welcome.”

Taking time from his responsibilities with the General Assembly, McDougle said he was “really excited” and praised Bass Pro Shops as being “a good corporate citizen.” He also recognized “the cooperation among government entities.”

Harris said it was “a real pleasure” to participate in the ceremony. He then noted the “mainstay” of Kings Dominion, as well as the history offered by Scotchtown and Hanover Tavern, in Hanover County.

He also said that he and Jack Berry, president and CEO of the RMCVB, had been talking for 20 years about the growth potential.

“With all the assets we have here in the Metro Richmond area, I am truly excited about all the opportunities,” the county administrator said.

After the ribbon-cutting, guests had the opportunity to experience one of the store’s NASCAR simulators. A Home Depot car is positioned next to the Bass Pro Shops vehicle. Via took advantage of the moment, hitting “the road” in the Bass Pro Shops car. He was soon joined by McDougle, who “raced” Via behind the wheel of the Home Depot car. The two were in a sort of virtual Daytona 500 world.

Bass Pro Shops’ restaurant, Islamorada Fish Company, catered the event, featuring catfish and alligator. Guests also received treats from the Fudge Shop.
The new Visitor Center who will help the thousands of travelers who enter the store. Since its October opening, Bass Pro Shops averages 25,000 shoppers per weekend.

As stated in a press release, “The entire state is a tribute to the vast diversity of the Virginia landscape, its history and the culture of its people, and takes on the flavor and atmosphere of the Historic Richmond Region. It is part museum, art gallery, antique store, aquarium, education, conservation and entertainment center, using more than 3,500 area artifacts, antiques, pictures, mounts and memorabilia.”

Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World in Hanover County is located at 11550 Lakeridge Parkway near Ashland.