CVB Travel: CVB to honor leaders in travel, tourism fields

Susan Wade is the public relations manager with the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau is presenting an opportunity for the public to pay tribute to people and organizations that advance the interests of the local hospitality industry, while raising money for local arts programs and enjoying Broadway star entertainment.

The third annual Salute to Travel and Tourism Awards Banquet and Benefit will be held in conjunction with the Springfield Regional Arts Council's annual Ozzie Awards set for Feb. 27 at University Plaza Hotel. Springfield native and Broadway star Kim Crosby will serve as speaker and entertainment for the event.

Proceeds from the event go to the Springfield Regional Arts Council. Organizations previously benefited by the Friends of the Zoo and the Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Foundation.

Tracy Kimberlin, executive director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, said this year's banquet and awards ceremony promises to be entertaining.

"Combining the Ozzies with the travel and tourism awards, and having Kim Crosby providing entertainment is a great way to honor local tourism leaders and help the Arts Council work toward its goals," Kimberlin said.

Nominations are being accepted in the following categories:

Ambassador Award: Presented to individuals or organizations that generated significant economic impact for the area by working to encourage tourism or secure a major convention or event in Springfield.

Hospitality Award: Presented to an attraction, lodging facility or restaurant demonstrating outstanding hospitality to the traveling public and that exhibits a team spirit in promoting the growth of Springfield area travel and tourism. Past recipients include Elliott Lodging and Fantastic Caverns.

Diplomat Award: Presented to a government official, organization or employee who has provided significant support to the Springfield area travel industry. Past recipients are former Springfield Mayor Lee Gannaway and Sen. Roseann Bentley.

Spotlight Award: Presented to an individual, business or organization not usually considered part of the travel and tourism industry for noteworthy contributions in advancing travel and tourism in the Springfield area. Past recipients include the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Ben Parnell, a retired banker who provided financing for several Branson area attractions, including Silver Dollar City.

Pinnacle Award: For individuals who have been active in the travel industry for many years and have made substantial contributions to the betterment of the Springfield area's travel industry. Previous Pinnacle Award recipients include developer John Q. Hammons, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World founder John L. Morris, and the Herschend family that started Silver Dollar City.

Nomination forms, tickets or information about tax-deductible sponsorships are available at the Convention and Visitors Bureau's Tourist Information Center at 3315 E. Battlefield Road. Forms also can be obtained by calling the bureau or visiting the bureau's Web site at www.springfield mo.org/nominations.

Forms must be returned by Dec. 6 to CVB Awards Nominations, 3315 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, MO 65804 or faxed to 417-881-2231.