Joe Wheeler State Park’s Haley Newton Selected for Northern Star Award

DECATUR-The Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA) has honored Haley Newton, facilities operator for Joe Wheeler State Park, with the 2020 Northern Star Award. The award is among 11 that comprise the 2020 PEAK Awards that were presented today during the AMLA Annual Meeting at 210 At The Tracks in Gadsden, Ala.

Representing the highest achievement in North Alabama tourism, the PEAK Awards honor individuals and organizations that have had a major impact on tourism in North Alabama. History tells us that tourism really began by the navigation of the stars. The Northern Star Award is presented to an individual, such as a ranger, guide, and a front line employee, who has gone “above and beyond” expectations.

Newton came to the Joe Wheeler State Park in 2014 as an event coordinator and implemented several activities and events for the park which range from administering 5K races and car shows to coordinating larger events like Rockin’ the River. Overtime, she has become one of the experts in social media and website development, helping several state parks with their online presence. Her job has morphed from events to social media to website development to marketing manager to the current position as a facilities operator. She also attended the Southeast Tourism Society’s Marketing College and became one of the first TMP’s (travel marketing professional) in the park system.

“The PEAK Awards showcase the work, service, creativity and contributions of those who are leading the way in the North Alabama tourism industry,” said Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association President/CEO Tami Reist. “With the COVID-19 pandemic still looming, it has been and continues to be a challenging year for the tourism industry. This year’s winners have demonstrated a commitment like no other to showcase the best of North Alabama during these unprecedented times. It is a well-deserved win for each of the recipients.”

The full list of awards and winners is as follows:

The Organization of the Year award is presented to the AMLA member organization that has contributed significantly to the betterment and development of tourism in North Alabama in the past year.

Winner:  Land Trust of North Alabama

The Event of the Year award is presented to the AMLA member special event or festival that has made a great contribution to tourism in the past year.

Winner:  Apollo 50th Anniversary Celebration

The Attraction of the Year award is presented to the AMLA member attraction that has made a great contribution to tourism in the past year.

Winner:  Cook Museum of Natural Science

The “Good Neighbor” Friend of Tourism Award is presented to a person or organization whose body of work has had a significant impact on tourism in the past year.

Winner:  Philip Formby, operations director, Sand Mountain Park and Amphitheatre

The Northern Star Award is presented to an individual, such as a ranger, guide and a front line employee, who has gone “above and beyond” expectations.

Winner:  Haley Newton, facilities operator, Joe Wheeler State Park

The Young Professional of the Year “Green Apple Award” is awarded to a person who has been in the tourism business less than seven years and has exhibited extraordinary leadership skills and initiative associated with their position.

Winner:  Maryanne Floyd, communications director, Decatur Morgan County Tourism

The Tourism Professional of the Year award is presented to an individual or employee of an AMLA member organization who has made a great contribution to tourism in the past year.

Winner: Pete Doyle, general manager, Holiday Inn Research Park

The Lasting Impression Award is presented to an attraction, event, person or organization that has provided a “lasting impression” on tourists thereby improving the overall image of tourism in North Alabama.

Winner:  Scotty Kennedy, curator, Red Bay Museum

The Chairman’s Cup Award is given annually to a travel writer or media person who has over time demonstrated support of AMLA, the region and its tourism activities.

Winner:  Fred Hunter, Absolutely Alabama

The President’s Award is presented to any person or organization whose tourism-related project created awareness or presented a positive image for North Alabama in the past year.

Winners:  Hilda Smith, director of sales and events, Hampton Inn by Hilton, Winfield, Ala.

                   Jana Kuner, public relations and customer service manager, Huntsville International                      Airport

                  Mindy Hanan, president/CEO, Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association

The award recognizes the work and achievements of the top performing North Alabama Ambassador in 2020.

Winner:  Zenovia Stephens, Huntsville, Ala. (@blackadventurecrew)