News Release
19th Annual Seymour Awards Recognize Contributions of ACVB Members
Anchorage, Alaska – May 4, 2006 – The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) honored several members for major contributions to the visitor industry at the19th annual Seymour Awards banquet on April 21, 2006. Hosted at the William A. Egan Civic and Convention Center, 33 businesses and organizations were nominated for five member awards from a pool of 1,250 members. The Seymour Awards precede National Tourism Week.
“The Seymour Awards are a very important component for recognizing ACVB member contributions to the community,” said ACVB president and C.E.O. Bruce Bustamante. “Anchorage’s tourism industry members are frequently called upon to support national events that generate millions of dollars for the local economy. They also support countless community functions, fundraisers and special events through in-kind donations of activities and attractions. We’re very fortunate to have many members who are engaged in helping ACVB bring business and tourism to Anchorage.”
ACVB awarded Ramada Anchorage Downtown with the 2006 Member of the Year Award. Ramada was recognized for actively working with ACVB in marketing Anchorage and participating in familiarization programs, tour operator and travel agent programs, as well as the membership programs and events. In addition, Ramada’s service as an overflow property contributes significantly to Anchorage’s ability to attract the large conventions.
Alaska Destination Specialists received the 2006 Member Contribution to the Visitor Industry Award. This company has been instrumental in attracting new business to Anchorage. Alaska Destinations Specialists also shines when it comes to assisting large groups with diverse needs. They’ve donated considerable time to charitable events throughout the years, as an active partner with previous Visitor Industry Charity Walks, the Duct Tape Ball and this year, the 2006 National Veterans Wheelchair Games.
The 2006 All Alaskan Award recognized the Snow Goose Restaurant and Sleeping Lady Brewery, a locally owned and operated company. It’s a favorite spot for locals and residents, not only because of the great food and beer, but also because of the outdoor decks, spectacular views and a theatre that provides a venue for regional talent. The Snow Goose Restaurant also works closely with ACVB’s Visitor Services manager, providing a great venue and wonderful service for many of the volunteer in-service programs.
ACVB recognized the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage as the 2006 Community Organization award winner. During the past 20 years, the value of projects undertaken by the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage totaled in excess of $6 million, including development, improvements and maintenance to some of Anchorage’s most popular and most used public areas. The association also provides the support network for programs, including international competitions and events.
The 2006 Member Contribution to the Bureau award went to Phillips Cruises and Tours. This business partner stood out for consistently providing the bureau with important financial and in-kind services to help with ACVB’s marketing efforts, such as familiarization tours and sales blitz programs.
In addition to the five member awards, ACVB also presented four other awards. Tauck World Discovery was ACVB’s choice for the Tour Operator of the Year award. Tauck stood out because of its extraordinary efforts in marketing and promoting their Alaska tours. In addition to some of their more traditional tours, the Connecticut-based company has developed a “Call of the Wild” itinerary that does a great job in marketing Alaska to families with kids.
The Meeting Champion of the Year award went to Alaska Sisters in Crime for their role in bringing Bouchercon 2007 to Anchorage. Bouchercon is the largest meeting of mystery writers, readers and publishers in the world and includes a large trade show. Anchorage can look forward to 1,600 delegates, bringing an estimated economic impact of $2 million. The other distinguishing factor is the group’s program, “Authors in the Schools” program.
“It’s always a difficult decision each year to select those handful of honorees. But from year to year, their contributions are so significant, that this is just one way of saying thank you for working side by side with the bureau,” Bustamante said.
Other honorees included ACVB’s 2006 Downtown Volunteer of the Year, honored Priscilla Olson, who donated more than 650 hours of her time providing visitors with exceptional service, and Airport Volunteer of the Year Sandy Moore, who is an excellent ambassador for ACVB.
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 one-third of the bed tax collected by the lodging association. One-third goes to the Municipality’s general fund and one-third goes to the Anchorage Civic and Convention construction project. ACVB receives no state or federal funds. For more information, explore www.Anchorage.net.
###
Media Contacts:
Laura Tanis
Public Relations Manager
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
ltanis@anchorage.net
(907) 257-2331 direct
(907) 250-5285 cell
(907) 222-3752 fax
Nance Larsen, APR
Vice President, Communications & Marketing Programs
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
nlarsen@anchorage.net
(907) 276-4118 direct
