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CONTACT: Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association

PHONE: 256.350.3500 / 800.648.5381

EMAIL: info@northalabama.org

 

Apollo 50th Anniversary Celebration Named North Alabama’s Event of the Year

 

Decatur, Ala. (September 24, 2020) - The Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA) has honored the Apollo 50th Anniversary Celebration with the 2020 Event of the Year award. The award is among 11 that comprise the 2020 PEAK Awards that were presented today at the AMLA Annual Meeting at 210 At The Tracks in Gadsden, Ala.

 

Representing the highest achievement in North Alabama tourism, the PEAK Awards honor individuals and organizations that have had a major impact on tourism in North Alabama. The Event of the Year award is presented to the AMLA member special event or festival that has made a great contribution to tourism in the past year.

 

“One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” These words will forever be remembered as the culmination of one of mankind’s greatest achievements – man’s landing on the moon. In honor of the 50th anniversary of this momentous occasion, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center hosted a week-long celebration recognizing this incredible accomplishment for NASA, the city of Huntsville, the state of Alabama and the United States of America. The Saturn V rocket was designed, tested and built at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center on Redstone Arsenal. The U.S. Space and Rocket Center reminded the world of the role that Huntsville played in successfully putting mankind on the moon with a week of exciting events and activities to mark the 50th anniversary. The Apollo 50th anniversary events brought international media attention to Huntsville, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and North Alabama. Visitors from around the world traveled to Huntsville to join in the festivities. The tourism impact of the celebration was substantial for Huntsville and North Alabama.

 

“The PEAK Awards showcase the work, service, creativity and contributions of those who are leading the way in the North Alabama tourism industry,” said Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association President/CEO Tami Reist. “With the COVID-19 pandemic still looming, it has been and continues to be a challenging year for the tourism industry. This year’s winners have demonstrated a commitment like no other to showcase the best of North Alabama during these unprecedented times. It is a well-deserved win for each of the recipients.”  

 

The full list of awards and winners is as follows:

 

Organization of the Year

The Organization of the Year award is presented to the AMLA member organization that has contributed significantly to the betterment and development of tourism in North Alabama in the past year.

 

Winner:  Land Trust of North Alabama

 

Event of the Year

The Event of the Year award is presented to the AMLA member special event or festival that has made a great contribution to tourism in the past year.

 

Winner:  Apollo 50th Anniversary Celebration

 

Attraction of the Year

The Attraction of the Year award is presented to the AMLA member attraction that has made a great contribution to tourism in the past year.

 

Winner:  Cook Museum of Natural Science

 

Good Neighbor Award

The “Good Neighbor” Friend of Tourism Award is presented to a person or organization whose body of work has had a significant impact on tourism in the past year.

 

Winner:  Philip Formby, operations director, Sand Mountain Park and Amphitheatre

 

Northern Star Award

The Northern Star Award is presented to an individual, such as a ranger, guide and a front line employee, who has gone “above and beyond” expectations.

 

Winner:  Haley Newton, facilities operator, Joe Wheeler State Park

 

Young Professional of the Year Award

The Young Professional of the Year “Green Apple Award” is awarded to a person who has been in the tourism business less than seven years and has exhibited extraordinary leadership skills and initiative associated with their position.

 

Winner:  Maryanne Floyd, communications director, Decatur Morgan County Tourism

 

Tourism Professional of the Year

The Tourism Professional of the Year award is presented to an individual or employee of an AMLA member organization who has made a great contribution to tourism in the past year.

 

Winner: Pete Doyle, general manager, Holiday Inn Research Park

 

Lasting Impression Award

The Lasting Impression Award is presented to an attraction, event, person or organization that has provided a “lasting impression” on tourists thereby improving the overall image of tourism in North Alabama. 

 

Winner:  Scotty Kennedy, curator, Red Bay Museum

 

Chairman’s Cup

The Chairman’s Cup Award is given annually to a travel writer or media person who has over time demonstrated support of AMLA, the region and its tourism activities.

 

Winner:  Fred Hunter, Absolutely Alabama

 

President’s Award

The President’s Award is presented to any person or organization whose tourism-related project created awareness or presented a positive image for North Alabama in the past year.

 

Winners:         Hilda Smith, director of sales and events, Hampton Inn by Hilton, Winfield, Ala.

Jana Kuner, public relations and customer service manager, Huntsville International Airport 

                        Mindy Hanan, president/CEO, Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association

 

Top North Alabama Ambassador of the Year

The award recognizes the work and achievements of the top performing North Alabama Ambassador in 2020.

 

Winner:  Zenovia Stephens, Huntsville, Ala. (@blackadventurecrew)

 

Note: Photos of award recipients are available upon request by calling AMLA at 800.648.5381 or by sending an email to angie@northalabama.org.

 

About Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA)

AMLA 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. Additional information on North Alabama destinations, accommodations and special events is available from AMLA by calling 800.648.5381 or by visiting their web site at www.NorthAlabama.org

 

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