Spirit of Tourism Award Winners Announced
Lewisburg, WV (December 2, 2009) – The recipients of the fourth annual Spirit of Tourism Awards were announced on Tuesday, December 1 at a reception hosted by the Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB).
The Spirit of Tourism Awards were designed in 2006 to honor Greenbrier County residents who have made a significant impact on the tourism industry in the areas of tourism development, volunteerism, securing a convention or meeting to our area and excelling at partnering with the CVB.
The Greenbrier Award was created to honor an individual or organization that has made exceptional contributions to tourism. This year’s recipient, Jim Justice, is the epitome of this award. In the short months since his purchase of The Greenbrier, Justice has made a significant impact to improve the resort while simultaneously increasing tourism to the area. The new restaurant, Prime 44 West, The Tavern Casino and The Greenbrier Classic are just a few of the ways he has made his visions into reality.
The Greenbrier County Ambassador Award honors individuals or a business that have assisted the tourism community by going above and beyond the call of duty. Russell Williams and Annamarie Visclosky are this year’s recipients. Since moving to the area a few years ago, Williams and Visclosky did not hesitate to become a part of the community through volunteerism. From the Lewisburg Chocolate Festival, to Carnegie Hall’s Taste of Our Towns and Rhythm and Blues Festival, Williams and Visclosky have spearheaded a number of activities in the community with the high energy and initiative of truly dedicated individuals.
The Hometown Hero Award recognizes an individual or group that has gone above the call of duty in securing conferences or meetings in Greenbrier County. The State Fair of West Virginia was nominated for their efforts to secure and organize significant events in 2009, including the Eastern Regional Christian Motorcycle Association Rally, the Eastern Air Stream Rally, the WV Horse Expo and the WV Baptist Convention. The Greenbrier Valley was showcased to more than 3,500 visitors who attended these events.
The Friend of Tourism Award is chosen by the CVB staff and recognizes an individual or group who has excelled in promoting tourism in partnership with the Bureau. This year’s recipient is Brier Properties. Not only has Brier Properties been chosen for their significant hotel development in the area, including the new Fairfield Inn & Suites, but also because of their outstanding willingness to partner with the CVB in various marketing initiatives such as package promotions.
The event, held at Greenbrier Valley Theatre, was attended by approximately 50 people and catering was provided by Fruits of Labor. Honorees received framed Robert Tuckwiller prints featuring various scenes from throughout Greenbrier County.
The Spirit of Tourism Award winners were nominated by their peers in the tourism industry and then voted on by an independent panel, with the exception of the Friend of Tourism award, which was selected by the CVB staff.
About the Greenbrier County Convention & Visitors Bureau:
The CVB’s mission is to strive each day to positively impact the area’s economy by marketing the region as a premier tourist destination. The Greenbrier Valley is the second most visited region in the state with 1.3 million visitors annually and an economic impact of more than $223 million.
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