I'm writing this blog from my hotel room in Greenville,
SC. The Southeast Tourism Society Fall Conference wraps up with a breakfast
session tomorrow. I can say about this conference the same things I have said
about every STS conference since I joined. It was a well-run event with a great
line-up of speakers and panelists. I know that the great staff of STS works
hard to make sure the multi-day event runs like clockwork, but they truly make
it look easy.
The highlight of the conference was the Shining Example
Awards Gala that ended just a couple of hours ago. Because I have such high
regard for STS, naturally the Shining Example Awards hold a certain level of
prestige in my view. So I am excited to announce that a client and friend was
among the winners tonight. We couldn't be more pleased that the judges saw fit
to recognize the great work being done in Botetourt County under the leadership
of Kevin Costello.
Botetourt County may be large geographically with lots of
world-class outdoor recreation opportunities along its rivers, streams and
mountain trails. Its tourism budget, however, is not exactly as vast as all
outdoors. The tourism staff consists of the aforementioned Mr. Costello. Fortunately, he
brings to the office a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm for tourism
development. For a small destination to win such an impressive award just
proves what can be accomplished when vision, skill, hard work and creativity
come together. We're proud to be a partner with Botetourt County and are thrilled to see the Office of Tourism get the recognition it so richly deserves.
