Held annually since 2000, the reception recognizes community members and businesses who have dedicated themselves to supporting tourism initiatives in Wicomico County. The event took place during a Business After Hours in partnership with the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce.
In Fiscal Year 2018, Wicomico County’s tourism division sold or held 45 events, eight of which were of regional or national caliber. These events generated over 43,000 hotel room nights, more than 125,000 visitors and an estimated economic impact of $55.8 million.
The tourism division has the goal of reaching a $75 million economic impact by 2020, said Tourism Manager Kristen Goller at the event.
“Renovations here at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center and the expansion at the Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex are helping us meet that goal,” Goller said. “What else is helping make that goal a possibility? You all – everyone in this room.”
The tourism division’s success is due in part to tourism’s many community partners. These partners help the county recruit new events, retain and grow current events and welcome event attendees into the community.
Mary Ann Brewton earned the Tourism Hospitality Award for her work in helping bring the Golden Retriever Club of America’s 78th Annual National Specialty Show to Wicomico County and ensuring attendees enjoyed their stay.
The Tourism Business of the Year award went to Hebron Savings Bank, a longtime supporter of Wicomico County Recreation, Parks & Tourism that has backed the department through ads, banners, and recently, the sponsorship of a scoreboard at the Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex.
Maryland Tourism was honored as the Tourism Partner of the Year, in part because of its efforts in helping Wicomico County and its partners secure a grant for out-of-market advertising for the upcoming National Folk Festival.
The Betty K. Gardner Tourism Person of the Year award was presented in honor and memory of Michael Smith, founder and president of the Middle Atlantic Wrestling Association, which has hosted tournaments in Wicomico County for years.
Photo Caption: Wicomico County Tourism award winners pose for a photo. From left to right are Maureen Scott Taylor, who accepted the award on behalf of Maryland Tourism; Homer King, who accepted the award in Michael Smith’s memory; and Melodie Carter, who accepted the award on behalf of Hebron Savings Bank. Not pictured: Mary Ann Brewton.
That's an oxymoron, Wicomico County Tourism lol
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