Art Walk, KSMU host take Ozzie awards

The 2006 Ozzie Awards were presented at the annual Travel & Tourism banquet, held at the Oasis Inn & Convention Center.

The group Ozzie award was given to the First Friday Art Walk, and the individual Ozzie was awarded to Randy Stewart, host of Arts News on KSMU.

A special award was given to Tom Finnie, who last week retired as Springfield’s city manager, for his role in securing a building for the Creamery Arts Center in Jordan Valley Park.

The Ozzie Legacy Award was given posthumously to the family of Beatrice Allen Reynolds for her service to the arts, particularly Springfield Little Theatre. Donna Crosby, winner of the 1991 Ozzie, accepted the award on behalf of the Reynolds family.

The Ozzies have been given annually since 1985 to individuals and groups that have gone above and beyond serving the arts in the region. Nominations are taken throughout the year and judged by a panel of past winners and members of the Springfield Regional Arts Council Board of Directors.

Winners receive an original piece of artwork, this year created by local artist George Milne.

The Ozzie awards were given in conjunction with the Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Travel & Tourism awards:

• The Pinnacle Award was given to developer Lee McLean for his contribution to the travel industry in Springfield. McLean has built several local hotels and has had a major role in the city’s business and infrastructure development.

• The Spotlight Award was presented to Karl Plumpe, associate general manager of economic development at City Utilities. The award is presented to a business not usually considered part of the travel industry that has advanced tourism in the area.

• Also given was the Diplomat Award, presented to Springfield Mayor Tom Carlson for his support of the travel industry. Carlson was a supporter of the one-half-cent lodging tax increase approved by voters last year.

• The Hospitality Award was given to the Springfield Cardinals for demonstrating hospitality to the traveling public and promoting the area’s tourism. The Cardinals have brought hundreds of baseball fans to Springfield and raised awareness of the city as a travel destination.

• The Ambassador Award was presented to Dallas Photopulos, who played a role in bringing the Wally Byam Caravan Club to Springfield, and to Allen Wilson, who organizes amateur sporting events in Springfield, bringing in thousands of visitors.

Proceeds from the banquet benefited the arts council.