'Round the Mountain began in the fall of 2004 when former Gov. Mark Warner's Virginia Works Initiative designated funds to develop Southwest Virginia as a major cultural and heritage tourism destination and to begin an artisan and craft advocacy organization. The group received non-profit status in March 2006.
'Round the Mountain has focused its efforts to “promote sustainable economic developmen
t of the region's communities by assisting local artisans with marketing, educational, and entrepreneurial opportunities,” to quote our mission statement
We have reached out to our members through public-private partnerships to provide educational gatherings and round tables, e-commerce and marketing workshops, and one-on-one coaching for RTM members. With the help of our funding partners, we began a craft registry with several types of membership, and coordinated the development of 15 regional Artisan Trails that span our 19 county region; set jurying standards and procedures for sale of craft work, food and wine at Heartwood: Southwest Virginia's Artisan Gateway, and launched a major educational program to communicate the value of our artisans, farmers and craft venues to our communities and our region.
