Roseann Bentley Roseann Bentley, 2017 Pinnacle Award Recipient

The Convention & Visitors Bureau presented awards to travel industry individuals and organizations at the Salute to Travel & Tourism awards banquet and CVB annual meeting Thursday night.

Roseann Bentley was presented with the Pinnacle Award, honoring individuals who have been active in the travel industry for many years and have made substantial contributions to the betterment of the Springfield area’s travel industry.

Bentley, former Greene County commissioner and state senator, improved the city’s travel and tourism industry in many ways, including improving the environment and infrastructure and helping obtain funding for Wonders of Wildlife. While serving in the Missouri Senate, Bentley also was a member of the Tourism Commission, the governing body for the Missouri Division of Tourism.

To see a video honoring Bentley, go to https://www.springfieldmo.org/salute17.

Awards were presented in four other categories:

  • The Hospitality Award was presented to Hotel Vandivort. This award is presented to an attraction, lodging facility or restaurant which demonstrates outstanding hospitality to the traveling public and exhibits a team spirit in promoting growth of Springfield area travel and tourism.
  • The Diplomat Award went to Dan Lennon, director of the Missouri Division of Tourism. This award is presented to a government official, organization or employee who has provided significant support to the Springfield area travel industry.
  • The Spotlight Award went to the Price Cutter Charity Championship. This award is presented to an individual, business or organization not usually considered part of the travel and tourism industry for noteworthy contributions in advancing travel and tourism in the Springfield area.
  • The Ambassador Award was presented to the Missouri chapter of Future Business Leaders of America. This award is presented to individuals or organizations who generated significant economic impact for the area by working to encourage tourism or secure a major convention or event in Springfield.

The CVB also presented Decade of Service Awards to Gary and Georgia McKean and the Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Craig McMichael.

The CVB is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the local economy through growth in travel and tourism.