Statement issued in SVTA dispute

NEW MARKET — The Shenandoah Valley Travel Association has released a statement on the dismissal of former public relations director L. Meriwether German.

“The SVTA Executive Committee’s action in 2006 of eliminating Meriwether German’s position with SVTA was not based upon any allegation of misconduct or cause on the part of Mr. German,” the statement, signed by 2006 Executive Committee President Steve Fox, says.

German filed a civil suit against Fox, Luray Caverns marketing director John Shaffer and Virginia Tourism Corp. President Alisa Bailey last year, claiming the trio conspired to have him terminated following his criticism of the temporary relocation of the Virginia Welcome Center at Clear Brook to downtown Winchester.

The two sides recently reached a settlement out of court.

“Mr. German made many valuable contributions to the success of SVTA while a member of its staff,” the statement says.

— Daily Staff Report