Tilton, NH - The Lakes Region Tourism Association of New Hampshire is pleased to announce the winners of the Ron Meade "On the Track to Tourism" Hospitality Scholarship that was awarded at the 35th Annual Governor's Conference on Tourism held on May 5th, 2011. This is one of two scholarships the association awards during the year - the other, the Mildred A. Beach Scholarship, is awarded at LRTA's Annual Business Meeting.

The first recipient was Alison Hoyt, a Junior at Cornell University studying Hotel Administration.  She grew up in Madison, NH and developed a love of hospitality through her involvement at her family's vacation resort, Purity Spring Resort.  During Alison's time at Cornell she has been actively involved in Hotel Ezra Cornell, a student run weekend conference showcasing student leadership most recently as Assistant Executive Chef.  She will graduate in May 2012 and will pursue a career concentrated in Food and Beverage Management.

The second recipient for the Ron Meade Scholarship was Kimberly Ryan, a senior at Inter-Lakes High School.  She recently received the Saint Timothy's Catholic Church Service Award for volunteerism and community service.  She is also a member of the National Honor Society, Inter-Lakes High Honor Roll; Class of 2011 Fundraiser; Meredith Astra Club; Saint Charles Youth Group; Inter-Lakes Drama Club, Chorus and Varsity Tennis.  She also worked for Hart's Turkey Farm and most recently had done an internship for the Inns & Spa at Mill Falls.  Kimberly will be attending the University of New Hampshire in the fall.

The New Hampshire Travel Council also honored several of the Lakes Region Tourism Association's Board of Directors, members & friends at this year's Governor's Conference on Tourism.

Business Excellence Award
Awarded to Eric Proulx, General Manager and the Tanger Outlet Center, for their significant success and growth while providing excellent customer service and for demonstrating a strong community and charitable commitment.

Sustainable Business Award
Awarded to Captain James Morash and the M/S Mount Washington for their environmental impact reduction.

Mildred Beach Travel Person of the Year
Awarded to Jayne O'Connor, President of White Mountain Attractions for her long lasting and permanent contribution to the travel industry.

Dick Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award
Awarded to Commissioner Van McLeod of the NH Department of Cultural Affairs for his leadership contributions to the overall progress of the industry.

About the Lakes Region Tourism Association of New Hampshire
Established in 1936, the Lakes Region Tourism Association's mission is to promote the Lakes Region of New Hampshire as a year-round destination to bring more visitors to the area and economically benefit our member's businesses. The Association is a non-profit organization focusing solely on Tourism Marketing & Promotion. To assist our region's guests and member businesses to connect, the association develops and distributes nearly 1 million publications including 250,000 Where to! Lakes Region of New Hampshire, a comprehensive guide to the area and 600,000 Lakes Region Map and Guides.

The Lakes Region Tourism Association also maintains several supporting websites including ones for group travelers, travel writers, and historical walking tours in addition to their primary tourism information site www.LakesRegion.org for up to the minute happenings, property and entertainment listings, vacation travel incentives, photo tours and so much more. For information on obtaining your copy of our Map & Guidebook or making the Lakes Region Association your marketing arm to effectively reach local, domestic and international markets, contact our expert staff at 603-286-8008.