Selected
Article:
Three
new members from Tunica inducted to the Tourism Hall of
Fame
Special to DBJ
The
Tunica Convention and Visitors Bureau recently joined the
Tunica County Chamber of Commerce at Fitzgeralds Casino
Resort Tunica to host the Second Annual Tourism Awards.
The luncheon paid homage to and publicly honored area individuals
and groups for the vital role each has played in the establishment
and promotion of the Tunica tourism industry.
“Last year we celebrated 10 years of gaming and tourism
in Tunica, and this year we are proud to continue the tradition
of honoring those who have continued to make Tunica one
of the top resort destinations in the country,” said
Webster Franklin, President and CEO of the CVB. “Having
the Chamber of Commerce join us in honoring these local
heroes adds even more prestige to the awards.”
Over 200 people, including public officials from across
the state, attended today’s festivities. “This
is our first year to recognize local businesses,”
stated Lyn Arnold, Executive Director/Economic Developer
for the Tunica Chamber of Commerce. “These are exciting
times and our success can be attributed in part to the hard-working
businesses who not only promote their own business, but
Tunica in general.”
Nine individuals or organizations were presented with a
crystal tower to commemorate the growth and benefits of
gaming and tourism on Tunica. The tourism awards recognize
those who have performed above and beyond the call of duty
in their contribution to the success of Tunica’s tourism
industry.
Three individuals were inducted into the Tunica Tourism
Hall of Fame, the highest honor a member of the Tunica Tourism
Industry can receive. Hall of Fame membership is presented
to individuals who have been actively involved for many
years in tourism and who have made a substantial contribution
to the betterment of tourism and Tunica County.
The three inductees are as follows:
* Ellis Koonce, Jr., original member of the Tunica Tourism
Commission and Tunica Museum, both of which he continues
to serve.
* Bob McQueen, Horseshoe Casino Resorts Senior Vice President
and General Manager, and member of the Tunica Tourism Commission.
* John Osborne, Vice-President and General Manager of Hollywood
Casino Resort
Charlie Williams, Program & Projects Director for Tunica
County, received the Chairman’s Award. Given annually
by the Chairman of the Tunica County Tourism Commission,
Williams was recognized for his leadership in bringing the
gaming industry to Mississippi, as a longtime influential
member of the Mississippi Legislature and more recently
for his service to the Tunica County tourism industry in
his current capacity.
R. I. “Bob” Mangum, Manager of Tour and Travel
for Bally’s Casino/Hotel, won the Southern Hospitality
Award for his exceptional service to the thousands of tourists
he comes in contact with on a daily basis.
The Volunteer Service Award is presented to an individual
or organization that, through their outstanding volunteer
spirit, has made a substantial contribution to Tunica’s
tourism industry. The Town of Tunica’s Veterans Memorial
Committee received this year’s Volunteer Service Award
for their dedication in organizing the construction of the
Tunica Veterans Memorial in downtown Tunica. They have made
a lasting contribution to our community pride, our spirit
and to our history. Those committee members are: Allen Kenneth
Whittington, Jr. (chairman), C.H. Block, James D. Boyd,
J. T. Emanuel, Joe Hale Fray, Billy Wayne Goff, Willie Hudson,
Louise Linzy, Lois Martin, Betsy Perry, E. L. Ryals, Daniel
L. Smith, Steven Cooper Sosebee, L. T. Stotts, and James
F. Sturgill.
The Heritage Award is given to an individual or organization
that has made a significant contribution toward the preservation
of Tunica County’s natural, cultural or aesthetic
legacy. This year’s recipient was presented to the
Founding Board of the Tunica Museum. Those board members
are Bobby H. Papasan, Brooks Taylor, Ellis E. Koonce, Jr.,
W.C. McLean, Jr., and Ellis W. Darby.
The Tunica County Chamber of Commerce presented two new
awards at this year’s luncheon. The Large Business
of the Year (over 100 employees) and Small Business of the
Year (less than 100 employees) are awarded to businesses
who actively participate and support community efforts along
with promoting tourism in Tunica County.
Tunica’s premiere shopping facility Casino Factory
Shoppes received the Large Business of the Year Award with
Downtown Tunica’s Bainbridge Festive Foods receiving
the Small Business of the Year Award.
The attendees of the luncheon received an information packet
with the latest materials produced by the CVB and the Chamber.
A new brochure for golfing in Tunica, including information
on the Tunica National Golf and Tennis Complex, was presented
along with a brochure for the Tunica RiverPark, both of
which are due to open this year.
An updated Tunica Miracle Report complete with tourism and
economic development statistics for 2002 was also distributed.
These and many other informational pieces are available
at the Tunica Convention & Visitors Bureau located on
Highway 61 North, and also at the Chamber of Commerce in
Downtown Tunica. For travel information, please visit the
Tunica web site at www.tunicamiss.com or call Tunica at
1-888-4TUNICA. DBJ
