PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 19, 2020
CONTACT:
Erin Hillert
Marketing & Communications Manager
James River Association
ehillert@thejamesriver.org
608.239.2644
James River Association to host Virtual Annual Meeting
“Riding the Currents of 2020” will include exciting speakers, updates, and giveaways
With safety top-of-mind, the James River Association’s Annual Oyster Roast will be transformed from an in-person event into a virtual experience on Wednesday, October 28 at 5 PM EST.
NBC12 Meteorologist and avid river enthusiast, Andrew Freiden, will host “Riding the Currents of 2020”: JRA’s Annual Meeting & Virtual Update. He will be joined by several local and international speakers including Melissa Lesh of Emerging Earth Films, who will provide an exclusive showing of her short film about the James River in collaboration with Virginia Tourism.
The Nature Conservancy’s Guilio Boccaletti, Ph.D., will also speak live from London to shed light on the global importance of water and describe his involvement in H2O: The Molecule That Made Us, a special three-part broadcast from PBS and WGBH Boston which dramatically reveals how water underpins every aspect of our existence. Along with Dr. Boccaletti, Executive Producer John Bredar of WGBH Boston will go into detail about his experience producing the award-winning series.
The James River Association’s CEO, Bill Street, will round out the program by giving important updates on JRA’s work throughout the past year, celebrate the first anniversary of the James River being awarded the Thiess International Riverprize, and honor outstanding James Changers in the community who have made remarkable contributions to the James River.
“While we wish we could be celebrating in person this year, we are excited about the opportunities this virtual event brings – connecting with experts, locally and across the globe, and being able to include and share this time with our community of James Changers along the entire James River watershed.” says Kristen Miller, Development Manager for the James River Association.
In addition to an exciting and inspiring program, participants will also be given the chance to win several river-themed prizes and giveaways including a trip for 10 on JRA’s pontoon boat, guided paddle trips all across the watershed, a swanky James Changer Swag Basket, and more.
To find out more information and register, please go to thejamesriver.org/whats-happening/annual-meeting.
ABOUT THE JAMES RIVER ASSOCIATION: The James River Association is a member-supported nonprofit organization founded in 1976 to serve as a guardian and voice for the James River. Throughout the James River’s 10,000-square mile watershed, the James River Association works toward its vision of a fully healthy James River supporting thriving communities. The James River Association believes that “when you change the James, the James changes you”. With offices in Lynchburg, Richmond, Williamsburg, and Scottsville, the James River Association is committed to protecting the James River and connecting people to it. For more information visit www.thejamesriver.org.