Elliott receives Pinnacle Award from visitors bureau

Longtime Springfield hotelier Gordon Elliott received the 2010 Pinnacle Award during the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau's Salute to Travel & Tourism awards Thursday.

The Pinnacle Award is given to individuals who have been active in the travel industry and made substantial contributions to improving the area travel industry, according to a CVB news release.

Elliott is owner and founder of Elliott Lodging, which manages Candlewood Suites, Best Western, Baymont, Lamplighter Inn, Eagle's Lodge and Arbor Suites at the Mall in Springfield.

Among the other award recipients:

• Jeff Collins, executive director of the Missouri Winter Games, received the Ambassador Award, given to individuals who make a significant economic impact by encouraging tourism in Springfield;

• The Hospitality Award, for attractions or restaurants that demonstrate hospitality to tourists and promote growth of area travel and tourism, went to Comfort Suites Medical District and Days Inn – Battlefield;

• Springfield-Greene County Park Board received the Spotlight Award, given to entities not usually considered part of the tourism industry that have made noteworthy contributions to the industry; and

• The Diplomat Award went to the Springfield-Branson National Airport Board. The award is given to a government official or organization that has significantly supported the area travel industry.