|
TOUR
Southern and
Eastern Kentucky
’s (TOUR SEKY) 2006 Annual Caucus was held Monday, November 20 at
The Center for Rural Development. The Annual Caucus is TOUR SEKY’s
yearly meeting of tourism professionals, elected officials and tourism
related businesses. The Caucus was a day full of beneficial workshops,
entertainment, and fun for everyone in attendance. Congressman Hal
Rogers served as the keynote speaker and was one of the many
educational speakers in attendance.
During the awards luncheon several volunteers were recognized
for their commitment to the tourism industry.
The
annual APEX Award went to Joe Bowen, a member of the Red River Gorge
National Scenic Byway Committee. Mr. Bowen was chosen because
of his notoriety and commitment to the region.
On April 8th, 2005, this 62- year old gentleman
began a 14,000 mile bicycle ride across the
U.S.
This ride began in
California
and traced all the way back to the Red River Gorge in
Kentucky
. He not only pedaled 14,000 miles, he also carried a
laptop computer and taught an on-line class to Elementary students in
Eastern Kentucky
. He made personal contacts all across the
U.S.
and informed those who would listen and even those that wouldn’t
about the natural beauty of Southern and
Eastern Kentucky
—especially about the Nationally Designated Red River Gorge Scenic
Byway. Mr. Bowen brought national recognition to this region through
his unselfish efforts and his unmatched pride for southern and eastern
Kentucky
.
Congressman
Hal Rogers presented the first annual "Hal Rogers
Governmental Tourism Impact Award" to Breathitt County Judge
Executive Lewis Warrix. The “Hal Rogers’ Governmental
Tourism Impact Award” is presented to an elected official who
understands the importance of tourism for the region. Vicki
Kidd, President and CEO of TOUR states, “For tourism to work in the
area it takes the elected officials to realize the validity of the
tourism industry. It represents growth and opportunity to a
community.”
Judge
Warrix was presented with this award because of his understanding and
recognition of tourism. Warrix has taken the county’s natural
resources and turned them into an economic resource. He has
partnered with state and federal agencies to apply for monies for
wildlife viewing stations in his county. He has worked with
TOUR, been an active partner in corridor meetings, and received
community development funds toward his wildlife viewing areas.
While he has been in office he has overseen improvements in his
downtown area and his county has one of the best county historical
museums in the region.
Photos
from the 2006 Caucus:
(Click the images below to view
full photo. Photos will open in new window)
|
