SALISBURY, Md. – Wicomico County’s tourism division recognized its strongest partners during a reception and awards ceremony Thursday, May 2, at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center.
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 2019, Wicomico County’s tourism division sold or held 50 events, eight of which were of regional or national caliber. These events generated over 40,000 hotel room nights, more than 140,000 visitors and an estimated economic impact of $64.8 million.
The tourism division has the goal of reaching a $72 million economic impact by 2020, said Tourism Manager Kristen Goller.
“Our tourism team is working hard to not only retain the events we do have, but to continue to do more – bring more events, bring more people and bring more outside dollars into our market,” Goller said. “This goal is not possible without one key ingredient – community support.”
Tourism’s community partners help the county recruit new events, retain and grow current events and welcome event attendees into the community.
The Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Council was honored as the Tourism Partner of the Year for their work to preserve, protect and promote the heritage of Wicomico County.
The Tourism Hospitality award went to We Build You Play, a grassroots sports program for children on the East Coast. The group uses Wicomico County for three of its events, bringing in nearly 5,000 volleyball players and an economic impact of $5 million dollars.
Parkside Athletics earned the Tourism Volunteer award for their work at the Mid Atlantic Wrestling Association’s annual tournaments and BeachFest Volleyball events.
Comcast Spotlight was recognized as the Business of the Year for their longtime support of the county’s tourism efforts, and their recent contribution to the National Folk Festival.
The Betty K. Gardner Tourism Person of the Year award was presented to Kathleen McLain for her service on tourism’s advisory board, where her passion and level head helped guide many within tourism’s leadership for over a decade.
Photo Caption: Wicomico County Tourism award winners pose for a photo. From left to right are Senator Mary Beth Carozza, Parkside Football Coach Brendan Riley, Parkside Wrestling Coach Burt Cashman, Delegate Wayne Hartman, Stephanie Willey of Comcast Spotlight, Wicomico County Executive Bob Culver, Kelsey Stave of We Build You Play, Lisa Ludwig of Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Council, Molly Comly of We Build You Play, Rich Comly of We Build You Play, Rich Comly Sr. of We Build You Play and Toni Comly of We Build You Play. Not pictured is Kathleen McLain.
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