The Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA) has announced the recipients of its 2021 PEAK Awards, which honor standout individuals and entities for their contributions to North Alabama’s $2.6 billion tourism industry.
The awards presentation was part of the AMLA Annual Meeting which was held on Thursday at Florence’s Marriott Shoals Conference Center. AMLA’s Peak Awards honor individuals, events and organizations that have achieved great feats for North Alabama’s thriving and robust tourism industry.
AMLA president and CEO Tami Reist thanked tourist partners for their efforts throughout the pandemic.
“The PEAK Awards recognize the best of North Alabama’s tourism and travel industry, and this year’s nominees and winners have all done an exemplary job in delivering an exceptional visitor experience,” said Reist. “With the COVID-19 pandemic still in the forefront, it continues to be challenging times for our industry and I want to take this time to celebrate our local tourism leaders, attractions, festivals and front-line workers who all work tirelessly during these unprecedented times.”
Twelve awards were handed out at the awards presentation, held during the annual meeting. This year’s award winners are:
Organization of the Year
The Organization of the Year award is presented to the AMLA member organization that has contributed significantly to the betterment and development of tourism in North Alabama in the past year.
Winner: Athens Main Street
Event of the Year
The Event of the Year award is presented to the AMLA member special event or festival that has made a great contribution to tourism in the past year.
Winner: Piney Chapel Farm Heritage Days
Attraction of the Year
The Attraction of the Year award is presented to the AMLA member attraction that has made a great contribution to tourism in the past year.
Winner: Cathedral Caverns State Park
Good Neighbor Award
The “Good Neighbor” Friend of Tourism Award is presented to a person or organization whose body of work has had a significant impact on tourism in the past year.
Winner: Lee Pitts, Pitts Outdoors
Northern Star Award
The Northern Star Award is presented to an individual, such as a ranger, guide and a front line employee, who has gone “above and beyond” expectations.
Winner: Katrina Cope, Holiday Inn Express (Gadsden)
Young Professional of the Year Award
The Young Professional of the Year “Green Apple Award” is awarded to a person who has been in the tourism business less than seven years and has exhibited extraordinary leadership skills and initiative associated with their position.
Winner: Haley Rutland, Marshall County Tourism and Sports
Tourism Professional of the Year
The Tourism Professional of the Year award is presented to an individual or employee of an AMLA member organization who has made a great contribution to tourism in the past year.
Winner: Anna Mullican, Oakville Indian Mounds Education Center and Park
Lasting Impression Award
The Lasting Impression Award is presented to an attraction, event, person or organization that has provided a “lasting impression” on tourists thereby improving the overall image of tourism in North Alabama.
Winner: Lucy Orr, Downtown Turtle Trail (Decatur)
Chairman’s Cup
The Chairman’s Cup Award is given annually to a travel writer or media person who has over time demonstrated support of AMLA, the region and its tourism activities.
Winner: Connie Pearson, travel writer and blogger
President’s Award
The President’s Award is presented to any person or organization whose tourism-related project created awareness or presented a positive image for North Alabama in the past year.
Winners: K.R. Yedla, Ph.D., chairman and founder, Yedla Management Company
State Senator Tom Butler (R-Madison)
Ewell Smith, volunteer, Athens, Ala.
It Only Takes A Spark Award
The award recognizes an individual or organization who is igniting change and making a positive impact on the tourism industry in North Alabama through their initiative, creativity and spirit.
Winner: Rocket City Trash Pandas
Top North Alabama Ambassador of the Year
The award recognizes the work and achievements of the top performing North Alabama Ambassador in the past year.
Winner: Cody Hood, Addison, Ala. (@ensaneoutdoors)
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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