As the longtime president of Richmond Region Tourism, Jack Berry helped Henrico County and the region attract more visitors by making the area more welcoming.
In recognition of his more than 30 years of service, county officials on Aug. 14 honored Berry by unveiling a street sign for the Honorary Jack Berry Way outside the Henrico Sports & Events Center. The recognition came after Berry retired in June, having served in his position since 1992.
“For more than three decades, Jack has fiercely and tirelessly promoted tourism and visitation to Henrico and throughout the region,” Fairfield District Supervisor Roscoe D. Cooper III said. “As the longtime president of Richmond Region Tourism, he’s been integral in our success.”
Megan Hazzard, manager of business development and event operations for the Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority, praised Berry for paving the way for major sporting events in the county, including the Atlantic 10 Women’s Basketball Championship and the National Wheelchair Basketball Championships.
“His passion and commitment have not only brought world-class events to our doorstep but have also strengthened the fabric of our community,” Hazzard said.
In remarks choked with emotion, Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman Dan J. Schmitt said “the Jack Berry way” is strikingly similar to The Henrico Way. He said he considers Berry a mentor and recalled their first meeting 29 years ago when the supervisor was a college intern working at the Richmond Coliseum.
“Service before self, people over process, the right way is the only way and — this one is my favorite — the ends never justify the means to Jack,” said Schmitt, who represents the Brookland District. “However, the means always justify the end to him.”
He added, “As we honor Jack Berry Way, we honor Jack Berry and the way Jack Berry has done things for decades.”
Berry concluded the ceremony, expressing gratitude for the recognition and praising Henrico as a leader in sports tourism. He noted the presence of Richmond Raceway, the Jefferson Cup youth soccer tournament and the Richmond Volleyball Club in the county.
“Sports tourism is the envy of every jurisdiction in the country, but Henrico has been at the forefront for over 75 years,” Berry said.
In 2022, Henrico led central Virginia localities with more than $1.7 billion in tourist spending, the fifth highest in Virginia, according to Virginia Tourism Corp. The county has also experienced growth in sports tourism, achieving a record $72.4 million in economic impact and hosting 71 tournaments in 2023.
Fairfield District
