The Oregon Tourism and Hospitality Industry Achievement Awards recognize outstanding accomplishments during the previous calendar year (2010) and will be presented at the 2011 Oregon Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Eugene on Sunday evening, April 10.
Click here to download the official press release announcing the award recipients
The state's most prized recognition is the Governor's Tourism Award. This year's award was presented to Kari Westlund, President and CEO of Travel Lane County. The Award is a tribute to Westlund's 30 years of service in the visitor industry. She is the past chair to the Oregon Tourism Commission, and is completing her eighth and final year as a commissioner in 2011. She is a former president of the Oregon Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus (now the Oregon Destination Marketing Organization) and the Western Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus, which awarded her the Spirit of Leadership Award for 2009. Westlund is the current president of the Oregon Track Club and is committed to the continued resurgence of Tracktown USA as a positive brand for Oregon. Westlund played a key role planning Eugene '08 and the upcoming Olympic Trials.
The Achievement Awards presented in 2011 are:
(Click on the award name to access its Nomination Form)
Purpose: Recognizes outstanding contributions of a tourism-related activity or attraction which specifically focuses on Oregon's natural beauty or outdoor recreation.
Eligibility:
2010 Recipient: Baker County - Anthony Lakes Ski Area
Purpose: Recognizes outstanding use of Oregon's cultural or natural history to draw visitors to the state.
Eligibility:
2010 Recipient: The Pendleton Round-Up Association
Purpose: Recognizes excellence and creative accomplishment in the marketing and promotion of Oregon as a destination in the international marketplace.
Eligibility:
2010 Recipient: International Air Service Committee
Purpose: Recognizes an individual's outstanding leadership, stewardship, and socially responsible practices as demonstrated by a strong commitment to decreasing the environmental impact of the tourism and hospitality industry.
Eligibility:
2010 Recipient: Kevin Graham, Executive Chef at the Embassy Suites, Portland - Downtown
OREGON TOURISM & HOSPITALITY EXCEPTIONAL PARTNERSHIP AWARD
Purpose: Recognizes a group of Oregon tourism industry organizations which have collaborated to create and promote a successful tourism program, promotion, or product which is more successful than any single entity could have produced alone.
Eligibility:
2010 Recipient: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area 25th Anniversary Committee
OREGON TOURISM & HOSPITALITY TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AWARD
Purpose: Recognizes creation of an innovative program, promotion, or product which exemplifies best practices, sustainability, and creative problem solving.
Eligibility:
2010 Recipient: Visit Bend - The Bend Ale Trail
Purpose: Recognizes the significant commitment by an individual who exemplifies the impact of volunteers in Oregon’s tourism and hospitality industry and on Oregon’s economy.
Eligibility:
2010 Recipient: Del Stephens and Jim Pex of the Oregon Tuna Classic
For questions regarding the Achievement Awards and nomination process, please contact Patti Kileen at Patti@TravelOregon.com
