4/17/04 - 17th Annual Seymour Awards
NEWS RELEASE
Anchorage, Alaska – (April 17, 2004)
SEYMOUR IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Seymour took center stage to celebrate and honor major contributions to the visitor industry at the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) 17th Annual Seymour Awards, April 16, 2004, at the William A. Egan Civic and Convention Center. Eight awards were given to organizations recognized for nonpareil service in 2003. Nearly 50 businesses and individuals were nominated.
The Sheraton Anchorage Hotel was awarded the Member Contribution to the Bureau Award. “The entire team at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel has stepped forward assisting in sales and public relations,” said Bruce Bustamante, president and CEO of ACVB.
The Member Contribution to the Visitor Industry Award went to Alaskan Vacation / Hawaiian Vacations for longtime support as a strong industry and community partner. Alyeska Resort was awarded ACVB’s Member of the Year Award. Alyeska Resort has hosted numerous events such as the US Chevrolet Alpine Ski Championships; 2003 World Mountain Running Trophy and in the fall the Celebrity Sports Invitational.
ACVB’s choice for Meeting Planner of the Year went to Bill Ennis, for helping secure the 2006 American Association of Physics Teachers Conference. The conference will have an estimated economic impact of $1,167,175 with more than 1,100 delegates. ACVB’s All Alaskan Award was presented to Alaska ATV Adventures for working closely with Convention and Meetings, Sales & Service staff for fams, site inspections and with conventions booked. This year, Alaska ATV has begun operating polar bear tours…what could be more Alaskan!
The Community Organization Award was presented to Alaska Disabled Veterans Sports Program, which was instrumental in bringing the 2006 National Veterans Wheelchair Games to Anchorage.
Other honorees included ACVB’s Downtown Volunteer of the Year, Dorrene Coates, who served 156 hours in 2003, and Airport Volunteer of the Year, Mary Tomasiewicz who is a wonderful ambassador for ACVB.
Among the special guests at the Awards Banquet were Mayor Mark Begich, Chief Monegan, and Assembly Members: Shamberg, Tremaine, Traini, Sullivan and Assembly Member-elect Coffey.
The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau’s mission is to attract and serve visitors to the Municipality of Anchorage. ACVB’s marketing functions are funded by half of the bed tax collected by the lodging industry. The other half goes to the Municipality’s general fund. ACVB receives no state or federal funds. For more information, see www.anchorage.net.
Contacts:
Erika Siegel, Public Relations Manager
(907) 257-2331
esiegel@anchorage.net
Explore www.anchorage.net
Nance Larsen, Director of Communications
(907) 257-2310
nlarsen@anchorage.net
Explore www.anchorage.net
