Suzie Shoemaker, Alison Martin Stanfield, Debbie Wilson, Georgia Carter Turner and Chuck Bonelli.
CHARLETSON, WV – The Florence-Lauderdale Tourism staff has been named the Southeast Tourism Society’s Tourism Office of the Year for organizations with a budget under $2 million at the Society’s Shining Example Awards ceremony tonight (September 9, 2015).
The Southeast Tourism Society (STS) presents Shining Examples Awards
annually to salute achievements in tourism within the 12 STS member states. The presentation was made at the STS Fall Forum in Charleston, WV.
“We’re so honored to win this Shining Example Award in a year that has been one of our
busiest and most challenging to date,” said Assistant Director Alison Stanfield. “The staff has put forth tremendous effort to achieve the success of opening a new Visitor Center, implementing new programming and welcoming over 15,000 guests in the past 15 months since the Center’s opening.”
“Music promotion including the Swampette tours, mini concerts and songwriter events has played a huge role in our success,” Stanfield said. “I commend the entire staff’s dedication to promoting tourism in the area. This award would not be possible without this ‘Dream Team’ in place.”
This is the 30th year of STS Shining Example Awards, some of the most respected recognitions in the tourism industry. They applaud various aspects of the industry, including marketing, governmental support of tourism, leadership, new talent and sustainability. Florence-Lauderdale Tourism also received this award in 2007.
Bill Hardman
STS states are Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
Most categories are open to nominations from anyone. Tourism industry veterans independent of STS are the judges.
“Organizations and individuals receiving STS Shining Examples are being pointed out as achievers of great merit,” said STS President Bill Hardman. “They are coveted awards.”
photo credits: flt
