Springfield CVB surprises president with Pinnacle Award

During the 2013 Salute to Travel & Tourism Awards last night, the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau surprised its president, Tracy Kimberlin, with its Pinnacle Award.

The top award given during the annual awards ceremony, the Pinnacle Award recognizes individuals who have several years of activity in the travel industry and have contributed to its betterment in the Springfield area.

Kimberlin, who has held the president's post for 25 years, started when the CVB was the hospitality arm of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, had a budget of $435,000 and five employees. The CVB's budget now is about $3 million, and the organization employs 18, along with nearly 100 volunteers. It also manages the Springfield Sports Commission with two employees, according to a news release.

Kimberlin managed Springfield-area hotels prior to joining the CVB, including oversight of the 1984 construction of the Ramada Hotel-Hawthorn Park, which is now the Doubletree Hotel. He was instrumental in 1993 in drafting and helping push through legislation funding the Missouri Department of Tourism, according to the CVB.

Other awards:

• University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center took home the Hospitality Award, given in recognition of its hospitality to the traveling public and its promotion of the growth of the Springfield area's travel and tourism industries.
• The Diplomat Award, presented to an individual who supports the Springfield-area travel industry, was given to state Rep. Lincoln Hough.
• Leah Hamilton, director of the Springfield Regional Arts Council, received the Spotlight Award, recognizing her efforts to contribute to the travel and tourism industries, though she isn't directly involved in them.
• The Missouri Holstein Association was presented with the Ambassador Award, which is given to organizations that generate significant economic impact in the area by encouraging tourism or securing a major event in the area.

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