from staff
Visit Jacksonville named the third annual National Tourism Week hospitality award winners Thursday at The Times-Union Center Downtown.
Former Jacksonville Jaguars player Tony Boselli won the Visit Jacksonville “Hall of Fame Award” for his efforts in creating and leading the Jaguars Team Teal Initiative.
The Hall of Fame award honors individuals whose vision, creativity and passion have had a positive and significant impact on the development or growth of Jacksonville’s hospitality and tourism industry.
Team Teal’s mission is to secure the future of the Jaguars in Jacksonville by creating enthusiasm and passion for the team while increasing ticket sales. Visit Jacksonville says the NFL franchise is crucial to the tourism industry and promotes a positive image for the city.
Visit Jacksonville is the marketing organization contracted by the Duval County Tourist Development Council to promote the growth of business and leisure tourism in Northeast Florida.
Other winners:
• Council President Richard Clark, Margo Dundon Leadership Award. Named for the vision and commitment of past Visit Jacksonville Chair Margo Dundon, the award recognizes an individual who has displayed outstanding contributions to the enhancement of the hospitality and tourism industry by upholding high standards of leadership and service throughout his or her career. Clark was recognized for assisting Visit Jacksonville in obtaining additional advertising funds to increase visitation during a difficult economy. Clark serves as the chair of the Duval County Tourist Development Council.
• Mayor John Peyton, Tourism Advocate. The award honors individuals whose outstanding support of the local tourism industry has led to an enhancement of the local tourism economy. Peyton was recognized for his support and advocacy of the industry, paving the way for a new convention center to boost the economy by generating more business visitors and positioning Jacksonville as a convention destination. A new convention center will lead to increased opportunities for Downtown businesses and tourism. Peyton also launched the city’s medical tourism initiative, “America’s Health Center,” which has increased patient visits and medical meetings.
• Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Partner of the Year. The zoo received top honors as a Visit Jacksonville Partner based on participation in activities and support of Visit Jacksonville’s mission. The zoo is an important component of the Jacksonville tourism industry and over the past year has created new tourism events for visitors and locals, including the Asian Bamboo Gardens and Komodo Dragon Exhibit and Tuxedo Coast.
Finalists for Partner of the Year:
• Crowne Plaza Jacksonville Riverfront, Accommodations
• Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Things to Do/Attractions
• Bistro Aix Restaurant & Lounge, Dining/Nightlife
• East Coast Transportation, Service/Meeting Facility
• Tidbits Restaurant, Minority Owned
• Downtown Vision Inc., Community Partner
• Memorial Hospital, Medical
• Dr. Orrin Mitchell, orthodontist, and Dr. Chester Aikens, dentist, Hometown Ambassador Award. Mitchell and Aikens assisted Visit Jacksonville in landing the National Dental Association 2009 Annual Meeting. As co-hosts of the group, Mitchell and Aikens provided the leadership to ensure the convention’s success. The association booked 3,451 room nights during its seven-day convention in July 2009. July is typically a slow time for group business.
• Dennis Worley, All-Star Challenge, Client of the Year. All-Star Challenge has been in Jacksonville since 2003 and is booked through 2015. This event uses the Osborn Center and Downtown hotels while producing about 5,000 room nights annually. About 7,800 cheerleaders compete during the event, traveling with their families and friends.
The event continued a theme of celebration with two Visit Jacksonville partners sharing their “Sunshine Stories.” Leigh Burdett of e2ride (with the “e” in red and the business pronounced “red-e to ride”) shared her story of creating a successful business in the struggling economic climate, and Tony Allegretti spoke about the success of the Riverside Arts Market, now in its second season.
For more information about Visit Jacksonville, see www.VisitJacksonville.com.