Spirit of Tourism Award Winners Announced

Lewisburg, WV (May 14, 2012) - The Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau recognized two businesses and two individuals for their significant contributions to the tourism industry on Thursday May 10 at the annual Spirit of Tourism Awards Reception.

The Greenbrier County Ambassador Award was presented to the team of Smooth Ambler Spirits for their extraordinary efforts in promoting their products and the Greenbrier Valley. In just a few short years in the business, Smooth Ambler Spirits has created some of the finest gin, vodka, whiskey and bourbon found anywhere - and they've won numerous awards for doing so. They've quickly made a name for themselves and become one of the most popular attractions in Greenbrier County.

The Hometown Hero Award was presented to The Greenbrier Classic for securing an event that has lead to a significant economic impact on the area. The PGA TOUR FedExCup event has drawn over 200,000 fans to the Greenbrier Valley annually with an estimated economic impact of $111 million dollars. The event has put the area on the national and international stage with four days of televised broadcasts of the tournament with announcers who rave about The Greenbrier and the beautiful Greenbrier Valley. The tournament was awarded "Best in Class Tournament on the PGA TOUR" by the PGA TOUR itself in 2011. In just two short years, the tournament has not only made its mark on the area, but on the golfing community as well.

The Greenbrier Award was presented to Brianne Jackson, Executive Director of the Greenbrier Historical Society (GHS), for her exceptional contributions toward the growth and development of the tourism industry. In her short tenure at GHS, Bri has raised the profile of the organization by proactively establishing new activities and achieving wide publicity for them.

The Friend of Tourism Award was presented to Lewisburg resident Larry Davis for his outstanding work in promoting the tourism industry by partnering with the CVB. Larry, an experienced Step-On Guide, has partnered with the CVB over the past year to help develop and implement a standardized Step-On Guide program. Step-On Guides offer an important service to tourists who are interested in gaining an in-depth understanding of their destination. Additionally, Larry is instrumental in a number of other events around the county, including White Sulphur Spring's Freshwater Folk Festival, Ronceverte's Riders of the Flood Outdoor Drama and Lewisburg's annual Martin Luther King Day Parade and the First Day International Festival.

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 winners were nominated by their peers in the tourism industry, 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 making an economic impact of more than $181 million.