The Yadkin Valley Heritage Corridor Wayfinding program continues to stretch across Yadkin Valley counties.

Program director Helen Ruth Almond presented an update of the Yadkin Valley Brand to the board of commissioners at the Tuesday, Jan. 3, meeting.

“We appreciate your support and the involvement of Commissioner Moxley,” Almond said. “This is built on a strategy of partnerships that will connect communities along the Yadkin River.”

The idea of the Yadkin Valley Wayfinding program is to give identity and establish the region as an eco and cultural heritage tourism stop, she said.

In 2007, a study found that the program would bring $4.7 to $6.5 million to the Yadkin Valley in tourism and would create at least 75 new jobs, she said.

“We have 120 miles of scenic byways, 75 miles of existing trails and the Over Mountain Victory Trail which is a recognized state park,” Almond said. The Yadkin Valley will be given identity with signs that let travelers know they are entering and exiting counties that are part of the Yadkin Valley. Kiosks will be at Welcome Centers showing a map of the Yadkin Valley and the county.

“We are integrating the program with social media and have an application for smart phones and a website,” Almond said. “With the social media and the brochure, we will give consistent identity for the visitors so they can better travel.”

The website name is GOYadkinValley.com and will be live in two or three weeks.

“We have listened to chamber of commerces and tourism in the different areas,” she said. “Their biggest needs were maps and how to find things.”

Both Surry and Wilkes county are on board to use the signage for the Wayfinding program and Almond hopes that Yadkin county will get on board as well.

Commissioner Marion Welborn pointed out that one sign in Yadkin County had been down for two or three years. One of these signs would help replace it.

The Yadkin Valley Heritage Wayfinding program is having a sign dedication on Tuesday, Jan. 31.

Also discussed at Tuesdays commissioners meeting:

-The Comprehensive Park Plan, Site Specific Yadkin County Park Plan and the Site Specific 5-D Reservoir Park Plan were approved.

“I’m very pleased that it is finally approved,” said city Manager Aaron Church. “This is a day I never thought would come.”

The next Yadkinville Board of Commissioners meeting is at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17 at 217 East Willow St. For more information call (336) 679-4200.