Governor Recognizes Tourism Leaders, Shares
Optimism
for Industry at 20th Annual Conference
SALEM, Ore - May 4, 2004 -- Renewed optimism, innovation and commitment
were hallmarks of the 2004 Governor's Conference on Tourism, held April
18-20 in Portland.
Attracting more than 350 participants from all corners of the state,
the annual conference show cased new tourism and marketing initiatives
underway, as well as the recognition of 12 industry veterans honored by
Governor Ted Kulongoski for their commitment to tourism and service to
the state.
"With the Tourism Commission's aggressive new advertising campaign,
the new 'Brand Oregon' initiative and increased funding on the way, 2004
is a pivotal year for tourism, one of the state's largest industries and
a top economic driver," said Governor Kulongoski, a keynote speaker at
the event. "While the industry is receiving renewed focus -- attention
many feel is long overdue -- these awards help us honor the people whose
commitment has never wavered. These are industry leaders quietly at work
in all regions of Oregon contributing to the health of tourism and our
state."
The winners included:
-
2003 Governor's Tourism Award, presented to Scott West, executive director
of the Oregon Lodging Association in Wilsonville, for his dedication to
the future of Oregon's tourism industry.
-
2003 Industry Awareness Award, presented to Cheryl Gribskov, executive
director of the Oregon Tourism Information Council in Salem. Gribskov was
recognized for 20 years of service connecting Oregon's visitors with attractions,
services and local history through the state's highway signage program.
-
2003 Innovative Tourism Achievement Award, presented to Linda Bell, executive
director of the Clackamas County Tourism Development Council in Oregon
City. Bell was honored for her highly successful branding of Oregon's Mount
Hood Territory and restructuring of Clackamas County's outreach and marketing
programs.
-
2003 Volunteer Achievement Award, presented to Pam England, visitors services
manager for the Portland Oregon Visitors Association (POVA). England was
recognized for 27 years of service promoting the City of Portland and setting
the standard for volunteer administration.
Eight recipients received the 2003 Oregon Welcomes You Award in recognition
of their commitment to outstanding customer service and support of the
state's Q Customer Service Training Program:
-
Linda Corwin, front desk manager of The Resort at The Mountain in Welches
-
Linda Bell, executive director of the Clackamas County Tourism Development
Council in Oregon City, who received her second award at the event
-
Randy Dreiling, executive director of the Oakridge/Westfir Area Chamber
of Commerce in Oakridge
-
Natalie Inouye, vice president of tourism marketing of the Convention and
Visitors Association of Lane County in Eugene
-
Sally Clay, executive director of the Tillamook Downtown Association in
Tillamook
-
Tom Connaughton, president of the Tillamook Downtown Association, Diamond
Art Jewelers in Tillamook
-
Richard Walkoski, recreation programs manager of Oregon Parks and Recreation
Department in Salem, and
-
Connie Bradley, volunteer program coordinator of Oregon Parks and Recreation
Department in Salem
"It's clear these winners are 'dreamers' in their own sense and true believers
in the power of tourism in creating a positive economic impact on local
communities," said Todd Davidson, executive director of the Oregon Tourism
Commission, which manages the conference. "They also reflect the diversity
of the state's rich travel offerings and a shared commitment to the importance
of tourism throughout Oregon."
The 2005 Governor's Conference on Tourism will be held April 10-12,
2005 in Pendleton.
The Oregon Tourism Commission directs the state's tourism marketing
and development efforts. The commission currently has a staff of 11 and
a $3.9 million biennial budget funded by lottery revenues. Nine commissioners
from throughout Oregon oversee all OTC programs.
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