Economic development and tourism offices wins award for casino project

The Virginia Economic Developers Association awarded the office the Top Economic Development Project of 2024 for the $750 million Caesars Virginia project, which opened its doors to the public Tuesday.

In its entry for the award, Danville’s economic development and tourism office highlighted Caesars Virginia by making and submitting a video spoofing the movie, “National Lampoon’s Vegas Vacation.”

“The VEDA Top Award Countdown Awards are designed to highlight the vast number of exciting projects throughout Virginia that create a positive impact on the surrounding community,” according to a news release from the economic development and tourism office in Danville. “The award was judged on community impact and overall creativity, encouraging imaginative and original video submissions.”

Employees at Dewberry in Danville made up the video’s cast, which explored various locations throughout Danville, including The Bee Hotel, the Historic Schoolfield District, Caesars Virginia and the Dan River.

The VEDA award was presented Dec. 5 at its Winter Membership Meeting in Richmond.

“This recognition highlights the transformative impact of the Caesars Virginia project, which has revitalized a historically significant site into a catalyst for economic growth and community pride,” Corrie Bobe, Danville’s director of economic development and tourism, said in a prepared statement.

Since opening Danville Casino, the temporary gambling facility that operated from May 2023 to Wednesday, Dec. 18, Caesars Virginia has resulted in more than $29 million in direct revenue — in gaming taxes and supplemental payments from Caesars — to the city.

Caesars Virginia held a grand opening Tuesday for its full, permanent casino hotel resort.

The trophy was presented to the Danville City Council during its meeting Tuesday night.

To view the submission and learn more about Caesars Virginia at https://youtu.be/JQ9YF_Ge_FM