John Dersham, Alison Martin Stanfield and Tami Reist.
CULLMAN-Alison Stanfield, Assistant Director of Florence/Lauderdale Tourism, was named Tourism Professional of the Year at the annual meeting of the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association during their PEAK Awards ceremony held at Stone Bridge Farms in Cullman today.
“The PEAK Awards recognize the best of North Alabama’s tourism and travel industry, and this year’s nominees and winners have all done an exemplary job in delivering an exceptional visitor experience,” said Tami Reist, president and CEO of the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association. “It is important we take the time to celebrate the achievements of our local tourism leaders, attractions, festivals, and front-line workers who all work tirelessly to make North Alabama a must visit destination.”
Alabama Mountain Lakes is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and development of the travel industry within the 16 northernmost counties of the state. It is supported by 500-plus members consisting of chambers of commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureaus, attractions, campgrounds, festivals, communities, counties, golf courses, restaurants, tour operators, accommodations, vendors, financial institutions and individuals. Counties included within the AMLA region are Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston.
“Even with the challenges of the past year, the popularity of our natural
Alison Stanfield
resources, music promotion and new visitor center have made this the perfect time to be a part of the Florence/Lauderdale Tourism team,” said Stanfield. “I am so honored to again be given an award by my peers to recognize my success and accomplishments. I also have to give credit to the community I love to serve, my staff and family for their tremendous support. This award absolutely belongs to them as well.”
Stanfield celebrated her 20th year anniversary at Florence/Lauderdale Tourism in 2015. She was hired in June of 1995 as Administrative Assistant to the director. This was a newly formed position for the newly formed organization, and she was given the responsibility of all accounting duties, creation of the marketing and advertising programs, design of all brochures, special event development as well as fulfilling inquiries and assisting visitors. There was no handbook or training program as the organization was in its infancy.
Stanfield “Moving Day ” into the Tourism’s new building in McFarland Park
As the budget increased (from $98,000 in 1995 to over $1 million in 2015), Stanfield took on more responsibilities. In 2000 her title was changed to Assistant Director to more accurately reflect her role in the organization.
Throughout the years, staff began to increase and more marketing opportunities presented themselves. The organization was a busy one, with many special events and activities being created. At some point, Stanfield has performed all of the duties of the departments she now oversees – sports/special events, communications, in-market strategy, IT and visitor experience specialist. She created and continues to manage an intern program, utilizing students from local colleges and universities to expand the staff.
In February,when Director Debbie Wilson left to take another position, Stanfield was tasked with carrying on those duties and responsibilities as well as her own. She and her staff have hosted 15,000 visitors in their new Visitor Center in one year, as well as selling over $16,000 in merchandise – all of which Stanfield has chosen and purchased from Alabama makers.
In addition, she created a series of new events held during the W.C. Handy Festival. Partnering with music entrepreneur Andreas Werner from Crazy Chester Records in Nashville, they developed a series of songwriter showcases, known as “Swamp Fest,” for both weekends during Handy Week, July 17-26, 2015.
