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ECONOMIC IMPACT OF ATHENS TOURISM CELEBRATED
HOSPITALITY AWARDS PRESENTED
During
CVB ANNUAL MEETING
Athens, Georgia- September 20, 2012- The Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) held its annual meeting Thursday, September 20, highlighted by the release of new economic impact figures for Athens-Clarke County and the presentation of the annual Athens Hospitality Awards.
Visitors to Athens-Clarke County spent $235 million in 2011, according to the 2011 Travel Economic Impact on Georgia State, Counties and Regions study prepared for the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) by the United States Travel Association (USTA). These direct expenditures were an increase of 6.8 percent from 2010. Tourism in Athens-Clarke County generated 2,420 jobs with a $47 million payroll, as well as $8.74 million in state tax and $6.69 million in local tax collections. Total state and local taxes of $15.43 million were collected from visitor spending, providing significant tax relief for all Athens-Clarke County households.
The CVB also presented the annual Athens Hospitality Awards, which recognize the outstanding work of individuals whose efforts have made a positive impact on the Athens-Clarke County visitor experience.
The Louis Griffith Hospitality Leadership Award honors an outstanding individual in the local hospitality industry who displays foresight and exceptional leadership skills to impact the Athens-Clarke County hospitality industry and the community as a whole. The 2012 Louis Griffith Hospitality Leadership Award was presented to Chuck Clark. Mr. Clark is a founding member of the Bread for Life program, a non-profit organization that brings together hospitality industry leaders, educators and bakers to provide a classroom curriculum plus hands-on paid work training to prepare graduates for a viable, sustainable career.
The Classic Host Award recognizes a local individual or individuals committed to bringing to Athens a new convention, meeting or event generating a significant economic impact. The 2012 Classic Host Award was given to Homer Wilson. Wilson played an integral role in bringing the Prince Hall Masons to Athens and The Classic Center for a series of large conventions. He is also known for the longstanding Hot Corner festival and encourages others to bring their groups to Athens.
The Hospitality HEROES (Hospitality Employees Recognition of Excellent Service) of the Year Award recognizes a front-line employee who has exceeded normal expectations to provide excellent service to visitors and residents. The 2012 Hospitality HEROES of the Year recipient is Ryan Crenshaw of Hotel Indigo. Crenshaw, who works as a night auditor, was consistently praised by guests for his extra efforts to make sure their experiences were enjoyable and seamless. "Ryan's dedication and tireless effort to understand the inner-workings of the Hotel Indigo make him THE person in whose hands you would want to leave the hotel and all its guests," Hotel Indigo Director of Sales Amy Clark said. "Who would have ever guessed that a night audit front desk worker would make such a lasting impression on guests considering the lower ratio of clients with whom he comes in contact."
"We are so gratified to be able to gather to recognize the importance of this industry to the local economy," remarked Chuck Jones, CVB director. "Through the efforts of those in this room, we are making a difference by putting our best foot forward and delivering on visitor expectations. A vibrant tourism product keeps our entire local economy vibrant, thanks to visitor spending."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- Photos of hospitality award winners are available.
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