MEDIA CONTACT - Wisconsin Department of Tourism
MEDIA CONTACT - Wisconsin Department of Tourism
MEDIA CONTACT - Wisconsin Department of Tourism
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<strong>MEDIA</strong> <strong>CONTACT</strong>:<br />
Danielle Johnson, <strong>Wisconsin</strong> <strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Tourism</strong><br />
Phone: 608-266-0458<br />
Cell: 608-332-4551<br />
Email: djohnson@travelwisconsin.com<br />
Lisa Marshall, <strong>Wisconsin</strong> <strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Tourism</strong><br />
Phone: 608-267-3773<br />
Cell: 608-445-0267<br />
Email: lmarshall@Travel<strong>Wisconsin</strong>.com<br />
Media Room: http://media.travelwisconsin.com<br />
FOR IM<strong>MEDIA</strong>TE RELEASE<br />
GOVERNOR WALKER HONORS 5 FROM TOURISM INDUSTRY FOR EXCELLENCE<br />
<strong>Tourism</strong> conference wraps up with awards ceremony<br />
MADISON, Wis. (March 19, 2013) – A <strong>Wisconsin</strong> hospitality legend with more than 50 years <strong>of</strong><br />
service to the industry; a city committed to sustainable practices; a mobile travel center in a full-sized<br />
semi trailer; a national events recruiter; and the only all-canvas arts venue in the nation were honored<br />
tonight as Governor Scott Walker presented the Governor’s <strong>Tourism</strong> Awards during the closing dinner<br />
at the Governor’s Conference on <strong>Tourism</strong> in Madison.<br />
“<strong>Wisconsin</strong>’s scenic beauty and iconic attractions set the stage for tourism in the state, but it’s the<br />
people in the hospitality industry that are the driving force behind travelers returning here year after<br />
year, " said Governor Walker. “Our five honorees consistently deliver great memories that keep<br />
people coming back to <strong>Wisconsin</strong> and our state’s tourism economy growing.”<br />
Sponsored by the Governor’s Council on <strong>Tourism</strong>, the Governor’s <strong>Tourism</strong> Awards recognize<br />
individuals and businesses for their commitment to excellence, achievements, dedication, and<br />
leadership that have resulted in a significant impact to <strong>Wisconsin</strong>’s travel and hospitality industry.<br />
“This year we had a total <strong>of</strong> 42 nominations, a record for these awards, which shows just how our<br />
tourism industry continues to raise the bar and strive for excellence,” said <strong>Tourism</strong> Secretary<br />
Stephanie Klett. “Our five honorees should be truly proud to be selected from a pool <strong>of</strong> such<br />
outstanding talent in our industry.”<br />
The five recipients are as follows:<br />
• Legacy Award – Stephen H. Marcus, Chairman, The Marcus Corporation<br />
Marcus began his leadership role in <strong>Wisconsin</strong>’s tourism industry when he joined his family<br />
company 50 years ago. Today, Marcus Hotels & Resorts owns and/or manages 20 properties<br />
in 11 states, employing nearly 3,000 associates in the state <strong>of</strong> <strong>Wisconsin</strong> and 2,000 in the<br />
greater Milwaukee area alone. These multimillion-dollar investments, and ongoing<br />
expenditures to maintain and enhance them, have helped bring conventions and tourists to<br />
Milwaukee, provide restaurant and nightlife options, support other local businesses and
provide employment for thousands. Marcus has been an important leader in the state, serving<br />
on a number <strong>of</strong> boards and committees to help guide improvement for his community and<br />
<strong>Wisconsin</strong>.<br />
• Rising Star Award – Kari Dawson, Special Events Director, Real Racine<br />
Dawson’s enthusiasm and hardworking, friendly personality has led to big success in the two<br />
and a half years she’s been with Real Racine. Dawson successfully hosted “The Color Run,”<br />
which is returning to Racine for a second year, the smallest city on the tour. In addition, she<br />
secured "The Biggest Loser Run/Walk" in downtown Racine in 2012, which is also returning in<br />
2013. Following that success, NBC flew her to Long Beach, Calif., where she produced a 5k<br />
run for the TV series “The Biggest Loser.” In 2012, Real Racine’s events brought more than<br />
20,000 visitors to the Racine area and generated about $3 million in economic impact.<br />
• Stewardship Award – City <strong>of</strong> Platteville<br />
With strong ties to agriculture and outdoor recreation, the entire community <strong>of</strong> Platteville is<br />
committed to and engaged in sustainability efforts. The Platteville Area Chamber <strong>of</strong> Commerce<br />
operates a Travel Green <strong>Wisconsin</strong> (TGW) certified Travel <strong>Wisconsin</strong> Welcome Center. In<br />
addition, “My Community, My Vision” was created to support city buildings and address energy<br />
conservation. The Platteville Main Street Program created a Sustainability Committee, adding<br />
recycle bins to the downtown area. Platteville and Faherty, Inc. also <strong>of</strong>fers a twice-yearly citywide<br />
clean up, a large “freecycle” event to keep discarded material out <strong>of</strong> the landfill. Platteville<br />
is proud to promote the fact it has clean air, clean water and many practices in place that pay<br />
homage to its commitment to sustainability.<br />
• Service Excellence Award – Greg Vreeland, Mobile Travel Information Center<br />
In an effort to raise the pr<strong>of</strong>ile <strong>of</strong> Northwest <strong>Wisconsin</strong> in an efficient and eye-catching way,<br />
Vreeland and area leaders custom-designed and built a Mobile Travel Information Center<br />
(MoTIC) in a full-sized semi trailer and set out to attend trade and sports shows across the<br />
Midwest. The MoTIC hit the road for the first time in January 2013 and has 10 scheduled<br />
shows through March, with more anticipated for the rest <strong>of</strong> the year. The first show in<br />
Davenport, Iowa was very successful, with more than 7,000 people exploring the MoTIC over<br />
three days. There are also two information desks on board staffed with people ready to<br />
personally answer questions and hand out area travel guides.<br />
• The Arts, Culture and Heritage Award – Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua<br />
Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua is truly unique to <strong>Wisconsin</strong> and the nation, as it is the only<br />
all-canvas, continually operating performing arts venue in the country. The summer concert<br />
season brings 30,000 people to the tent for Big Top’s original performances, which are as<br />
educational as they are entertaining and remind us why <strong>Wisconsin</strong> is an amazing place to live<br />
and visit. Big Top turns 27 years old this year, and has presented more than 1,600<br />
performances and entertained more than half a million people. As a <strong>Wisconsin</strong> original and<br />
amazing treasure, Big Top has earned its title as "The Carnegie Hall <strong>of</strong> Tent Shows."<br />
More information about the Governor’s <strong>Tourism</strong> Awards is available on www.wigcot.org.<br />
The mission <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Wisconsin</strong> <strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Tourism</strong> is to market the state as the Midwest’s premier<br />
travel destination for fun. By executing industry-leading marketing programs, providing reliable travel<br />
information and establishing strategic partnerships, we will play a significant role in delivering<br />
exceptional customer service and generating greater economic impact and jobs for <strong>Wisconsin</strong>. The<br />
portal for traveler information can be found at: www.travelwisconsin.com.
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