MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Visit Mountaineer Country Convention and Visitors Bureau is adding to their Mountaineer Country Ambassador team. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” President and CEO Susan Riddle said they are looking for groups, organizations, or individuals that want to help visitors to Monongalia County navigate the area and feel welcome during special events.
“We have a new platform, and we are working with people in the community,” Riddle said. “Banks or different businesses that have volunteers that are interested in being ambassadors for whatever the event might be.”
The program allows residents to participate in high-profile events and share their knowledge of the community. Ambassadors might help visitors find a place to eat, something they may have left at home, or ideas for a trip to a nearby attraction. But the main job is to be helpful and friendly, so they leave Morgantown with a positive view of the area.
“Whether it’s WVU football, or even a USA Diving event, or a state swim meet, or a track meet, there are always calls for volunteers to act as ambassadors,” Riddle said.
Some interactions with the visiting city or school happen well before the event. Riddle said they submit information about the area to the visiting media outlets about tailgating areas, policies, and important venue information like clear bag policies.
On event day, the tasks vary greatly and really depend on the type and location of the event.
“We set up tables, we answer questions, we welcome people, we give them maps, we give them directions, and sometimes we meet with visiting teams the night before as their bus comes into town,” Riddle said.
Part of the service is a golf cart shuttle operated by the volunteers to transport people to and from events or parking areas. Volunteers for the shuttle service perform a very important function for disabled guests and they must meet additional requirements to help on event day.
“We actually have more than two carts that operate,” Riddle said. Sometimes we have three carts and sometimes four; it really just depends.