Kansas City Kansas Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. Announces Annual Award Winners at Tourism Celebration on May 6, 2015
Kansas City, KS….The Kansas City Kansas Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc (KCK CVB) celebrated another successful year at its annual Tourism Celebration on Wednesday, May 6, 2015. The luncheon was held at the Jack Reardon Convention Center, 520 Minnesota Ave., in Kansas City, KS. Approximately 150 people were in attendance, including elected officials and tourism industry professionals. Five awards were presented to the following tourism advocates and organizations.
A special Tourism Partnership Award was presented to the Kansas City Kansas Police Department. This award was presented by John Moncke, Vice President of Stadium and Brand Revenue at Sporting KC and a member of the KCK CVB Board of Directors. The KCKPD assures a safe environment for visitors, and is instrumental in making events of all sizes in Kansas City, KS successful. Their willingness to partner and work hand in hand with the community was recognized. The award was accepted by Deputy Chief Tyrone Garner.
The Excellence in Hospitality Award was presented to Bruce Breslow, owner and artist at Moon Marble Company Store. This award was presented by Bridgette Jobe, Executive Director KCK CVB. The award recognized Bruce for his support and partnership with the KCK CVB, while showing professionalism, hospitality and exceptional customer service to all visitors. The award was accepted by Bruce Breslow.
The Tourism Organization of the Year Award was presented to Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que. The award was presented by Bill Hurrelbrink, Director of Communications for KCK Mayor Mark Holland and a member of the KCK CVB Board of Directors. Joe’s Kansas City has been recognized by local, regional and national media as one of KC’s finest BBQ restaurants, and has served many famous celebrities including Kansas City, KS native Eric Stonestreet. The award was accepted by Doug Worgul, Marketing Director of Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que.
The Tourism Event of the Year Award was presented to the 2014 Great Midwest Balloon Fest, held August 8-10, 2014 at Kansas Speedway. The award was presented by Jeff Taylor, General Manager of Legends Outlets Kansas City and a member of the KCK CVB Board of Directors. This family friendly hot air balloon festival has become one of the most sought after balloon festivals in the U.S. The 2014 Balloon Fest had over 55,000 spectators and resulted in thousands of dollars in media exposure. The award was accepted by Robbie and Steve Small, Executive Directors of the festival.
The Tourism Advocate of the Year Award was presented to Mike Calwell. The award was presented by Kurt Mayo, General Manager of Hilton Garden Inn and a member of the KCK CVB Board of Directors. Mr. Calwell was thanked for his many years of service and significant contributions to the Lewis and Clark Park at Kaw Point and the preservation of the Kansas River. The award was accepted by Mike Calwell.
In addition to the tourism awards, the Tourism Celebration kicked off the bureau’s summer campaign “Kansas City Kansas – 94 Days of Summer Fun”. Debuted at the Tourism Celebration was a short video teaser promoting the 94 Days of Summer Fun checklist along with the Kansas City, KS 2015 Summer Online Magazine. The video and magazine may be viewed on the KCK CVB’s website at www.VisitKansasCityKS.com.
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View more information: 2015 Tourism Celebration press release.pdf