In 2014, 1,301 individuals in Cullman were directly or indirectly employed by tourism. That is a 5.7 percent increase over 2013.”Ben Harrison, Tourism Board Chair and Manager of Cullman Regional Airport
CULLMAN – The 2015 Cullman Area Tourism & Community Improvement awards were awarded to area recipients on Thursday at Stone Bridge Farms in the Brown Stone Centre. The event consisted of a huge breakfast, a speech given by guest speaker Ms. Tami Reist, President/CEO of Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association, and the presentation of the various awards. The ceremony was filled with a deep pride for the Cullman area and the people that work so hard to make it the great tourist destination that it is.
“In 2014, 1,381 individuals in Cullman were directly or indirectly employed by tourism. That is a 5.7 percent increase over 2013,” said Ben Harrison, Tourism Board Chair and manager of Cullman Regional Airport.
“The City Parks & Rec department have hosted major events. Our local hotels, local restaurants – everyone has benefited from this,” Harrison continued. “Our local shops bring people in and provide tax dollars, which is very beneficial to all of us.”
The following lists each award that was given. It also gives a brief description of the award and the winners.
The Business Awards
- Exceptional Festival or Event Award – Cullman County Fair. The award recognizes a festival or event that attracts visitors as well as locals, generates regional and/or state media attention and positively promotes the Cullman area.
- Best Attraction Award – The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament. The award recognizes a regional attraction, including museums, performing arts, parks, amusement parks, etc., which attracts visitors and contributes to an outstanding tourism experience.
- Near Nature. Near Perfect Award – Cullman’s Veterans Memorial Park. The award recognizes a business, organization, community or outdoor recreation area that has developed a tourism product/service that best demonstrates the ecological, cultural or historic assets of the region.
- Spirit of Cullman Award – Cullman Rest Area. The award recognizes an outstanding tourism or hospitality related business or organization that provides excellent service, exemplifies innovation and causes our region to shine.
- Rockin’ Retailer – Three Pears Shoe Outlet. The award recognizes a retailer that provides an outstanding shopping experience for visitors.
- Extraordinary Everyday Eatery – Johnny’s Bar-B-Q. The award recognizes a restaurant offering an atmosphere that provides an outstanding experience for visitors.
The Individual Service Awards
- The White Glove Award – Peggy Lowery – Hampton Inn. The award recognizes exceptional service from an individual hotel housekeeping staff member.
- The Silver Spoon Award – Preston Wiley – Chick-fil-A. The award recognizes consistent superior service by a restaurant or food service employee.
- Superior Service Award – Amber Strawbridge – Hampton Inn. The award recognizes excellent customer service by an individual who has first contact with the public. Front desk personnel, concierges and all other guest service employees qualify.
- Savvy Retail Sales Associate Award – Jennifer Bennett – Jennifer's Treasures. The award recognizes excellent customer service from a retail sales associate who has first contact with the public.
- Heart of the House Award – Lisa Hall – TP Country Club. The award recognizes an outstanding individual who works behind the scenes to keep their institution, organization or business operating smoothly, creating a superior experience for the public.
- Hospitality Volunteer of the Year – Rebecca Branch – Christmas in Cullman/Pilot Club. The award recognizes any hospitality industry volunteer (i.e. entertainment venues, museums, and festival and event volunteers) who has made an outstanding contribution.
- Rising Star Award – Doug Davenport – Cullman County Parks and Rec. The award recognizes an up and coming leader for their exceptional efforts to serve and enhance the experience of the public. Those individuals who have been in the tourism industry for five years or less qualify.
- Tourism Professional of the Year Award – Shane Quick – Premier Promotions. The award recognizes a person who has made a significant contribution to the tourism industry through more than five years or more of innovation, inspiration and industry leadership.
2014-15 Community Improvement Winners
- Best Landscaping – Small – Marx Optical
- Best Landscaping – Large – Webb Wheel Aftermarket
- Best Curb Appeal – Cullman County Museum
- Best New Construction – Wallace State Community College School of Nursing and Center for Science
- Best Restoration – Coldwell Banker Hill Real Estate
- Building a Sense of Community – Sportsman Lake Park
