"Wisconsin's scenic beauty and iconic attractions draw travelers to the state, but it's the passion of individuals and organizations in the hospitality industry that keep people returning here year after year," said Gov. Walker. "These five honorees take on the hard work, great customer service and creative projects that grow the tourism economy."

Sponsored by the Governor's Council on Tourism, the awards recognize individuals, organizations and businesses for their commitment to excellence, achievements, dedication and leadership, which have an impact on Wisconsin's travel and hospitality industry.

Together, the Racine Art Museum and RAM's Wustum Museum of Fine Arts offer gathering spaces for visual arts education and international recognized art exhibitions. RAM has the largest collection of contemporary crafts in the United States. The two-campus organization welcomed nearly 60,000 visitors in 2014 with programming that included exhibitions, studio arts classes and outreach programs to facilitate community-based arts instruction. Last year, more than 50,000 children and adults participated in free outreach art experiences, including a mobile expansion through RAM on the Road that presented 70 children's art programs throughout Racine County.

"This year we had a total of 36 nominations, and these are the people who work day in and day out to make Wisconsin the premier destination for fun in the Midwest," said Stephanie Klett, Wisconsin Secretary of Tourism. "Each and every nominee sets the bar high for their peers in the tourism industry. Our five honorees should be proud to have been selected from such an amazing pool of talent."