NEWS - Economic Development

SBJ Staff Report

Feb 20, 2012 - The Savannah Area Tourism Leadership Council presented five scholarships and several major awards at the 14th Annual Tourism Awards & Scholarship Dinner held last Thursday evening at Savannah International Trade & Convention Center. And, a number of area companies were recognized for their achievements in the tourism field.

“Education and workforce development are top priorities for the Tourism Leadership Council.  Through the TLC Scholarship program, we are able to identify individuals with tremendous potential for success in our industry and support their higher education efforts,” said Marti Barrow, executive director of the Savannah Area Tourism Leadership Council.  “We are very proud of this year’s recipients and look forward to their future contributions to the area’s growing hospitality industry.”

“This event showcases exceptional individuals who are already representing our fine City on a daily basis,” said Barrow.  “It is refreshing to work with so many talented people who are passionately committed to the continued success of this very important industry here in Savannah.  I am very proud of the collective and individual accomplishments of our award recipients and Savannah’s tourism community!”

Dr. Walter O. Evans a Retired General Surgeon and Art Collector received the Herb and Franklin Traub Visionary Award.  This award is given to someone who consistently works to promote tourism growth, recognizes and nurtures the potential of new projects for Savannah and creates awareness for the city. The award is named in memory of Herb Traub, the former and late owner of The Pirates’ House, and his late wife, Franklin, both of whom were actively involved in the hospitality industry for many years.

And, Fran Powell Harold Director of the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace received the John P. Rousakis Community Champion Award.  The award, which is named in memory of former Savannah mayor John Rousakis, is given to an individual responsible for supporting tourism and promoting Savannah.

Kimberly Phillips of City Market earned the TLC Member of the Year Award, which is presented to a member who has demonstrated consistent dedication to the organization.

Clarence Mike of the Hampton Inn Historic District (Prince-Bush-Smith Hotels) received the Service Star Award.  The TLC Service Leader Award was presented to Katherine Keena of the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace.  Both service awards recognize exemplary job performance in the hospitality industry.

The TLC presents scholarships to students pursuing hospitality careers at its event.  To date, the TLC has given in excess of $51,000 in scholarships to area students.  This year, five scholarships were presented at the event. They included:

- Blair Mumma ($500), a sophomore Hospitality Management major at the University of South Carolina Beaufort from Beaufort, South Carolina.

- Shaunny Ybarra ($500), a Marketing Management major at Savannah Technical College from Miami, FL.

- Bethany Vielmette ($500), a senior Culinary Arts major at Ogeechee Technical College from Brooklet, Georgia.

- Hayden Harrison ($1,000),  a senior Recreation major with an emphasis in Tourism Management at Georgia Southern University from Ellerslie, Georgia.

- Jylyn Williams ($1,000), a Savannah native who received his degree in Restaurant and Tourism Management in August 2011 and is currently enrolled in his final classes at Savannah Technical College that will allow him to transfer to the University of South Carolina Beaufort to pursue his Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Administration.

The TLC is a non-profit professional association that provides resources to businesses in the tourism and hospitality industries. The organization’s mission is to provide a unified group with committed leadership pledged to promote, protect and serve the interests of the tourism and hospitality industries of the greater Savannah area.  Proceeds from the event will be directed to the programs of the TLC, 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.

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