The Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau presented its 2011 Salute to Travel & Tourism awards Feb. 17 at University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center.
Award recipients are:
Pinnacle Award: Dr. Thomas and Karen Sweeney, founders of Sweeny’s Museum of Civil War History. The Pinnacle Award is for 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.
Ambassador Award: Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Fitness Festival. The Ambassador Award is presented to individuals or organizations that generated significant economic impact for the area by working to encourage tourism or secure a major convention or event in Springfield.
Hospitality Award: Cooper Tennis Complex. The Hospitality 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.
Spotlight Award: Askinosie Chocolate. The Spotlight 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.
Diplomat Award: Missouri Department of Transportation. The Diplomat Award is presented to a government official, organization or employee who has provided significant support to the Springfield area travel industry
The bureau also presented Decade of Service awards to volunteers who have served the CVB for 10 years. They are: Dean and Darlene McAnally, Mary Ellen White, JoAnn Wiksten, Jim and Beverly Wilson, Naomi Young and Jerry and Judy Young.
Congratulations to all!
The CVB extends its gratitude to the following sponsors of the awards banquet: City of Springfield and CityView, University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center, Doubletree Hotel, Elliott Lodging, Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation, A Graphic Resource, Bass Print Solutions, Learfield Communications, SR Graphics, Gerry Averett Photography, Baum’s Promotional Products, OOVVDA Winery, 7 C’s Winery, Gary Ellison Productions, BBJ Linens, Pressed 4 Time Dry Cleaning and ART Salon & Spa.
