May 09--PALMETTO -- Three leaders in the tourism community were awarded Wednesday at a National Tourism Week luncheon held by the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Rick Piccolo, president and chief executive officer of the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, received the Tourism Outreach Award for helping gain exposure for the area in the United Kingdom and Germany, said Elliot Falcione, executive director for the CVB.

The Tourism Partner -- Restaurant, Lodging and Attractions award was presented to David Teitlebaum, president of Anna Maria Island Resorts.

"He has created a unique hotel brand on Anna Maria Island that has personified our brand to a T," Falcione said.

The award goes to a company that shows economic impact, does its own marketing and works with the CVB on promotions.

"I love this community. I think the world of Anna Maria and Manatee County," Teitlebaum said. "I feel so blessed to be here, every morning I get up I pinch myself because I'm so happy."

The Tourism Catalyst award was presented to Paul Blackketter, president of Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates, which oversees the rowing venue project at Nathan Benderson Park. The award goes to a longtime champion of the tourism industry in the Bradenton area.

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