NEWS - Hospitality & Tourism

SBJ Staff Report

Jan 30, 2012 - The Savannah Area Tourism Leadership Council will host their 14^th Annual Tourism Awards & Scholarship Dinner on Thurs., Feb. 16 at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center. 

 “Savannah’s tourism and hospitality industry provides excellent career paths for individuals seeking an opportunity for ongoing growth and development throughout their careers,” said Marti Barrow, executive director of the Savannah Area Tourism Leadership Council.  “We are very proud of the accomplishments of not only the evening’s award recipients, but of the industry as a whole.”

Community leaders are honored each year for their impact on the local tourism and hospitality industry with several top awards, which will be presented at the event.  This year’s Herb & Franklin Traub Visionary Award and John P. Rousakis Community Champion Award recipients are Dr. Walter O. Evans, retired general surgeon and art collector, and Fran Powell Harold, director, Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace.

In addition, the recipients of the Service Star and Service Leader Awards for exemplary job performance in the hospitality industry will be announced as well as the Tourism Leadership Council Member of the Year.  Six scholarships will also be presented from the Sheldon Fox Scholarship Program to students pursuing culinary, tourism and hospitality careers. 

The Tourism Awards & Scholarship Dinner is not only a celebration of local tourism industry accomplishments, but it is also an annual fundraiser that supports the programs of the Savannah Area Tourism Leadership Council, including scholarships for college students pursuing hospitality careers, workforce development initiatives, networking opportunities for industry professionals, educational seminars for industry employees and an emergency fund available for members in times of crisis, explains Barrow.

Approximately 250 people are expected to attend the event this year. The TLC would like to thank our Platinum Sponsor for the event-Old Savannah Tours! Sonny Dixon, news anchor for WTOC-TV, will serve as emcee for the evening.  The cocktail reception will begin at 5:30pm and conclude just before dinner, which begins at 7 p.m.  Tickets for dinner are $55, and table sponsorships are still available. 

The event will also feature a fabulous RAFFLE this year.  Tickets are currently available for purchase at the TLC office or online at www.tourismleadershipcouncil.com (select calendar – February 16).  You do not need to be present to win.  A list of prizes is attached. 

For more information about the Tourism Awards & Scholarship Dinner or to purchase tickets, please visit the online calendar at www.tourismleadershipcouncil.com (select February 16) or call the Tourism Leadership Council office at 912-232-1223.  Reservations are due by Friday, January 10^th.