[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 155 (Thursday, October 22, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1513]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING DONNA CARPENTER FOR RECEIVING THE SOUTHEAST TOURISM SOCIETY'S 
                              BEACON AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD HUDSON

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 22, 2015

  Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Donna Carpenter, who 
serves as President and CEO of the Cabarrus County Convention and 
Visitors Bureau, for receiving the Southeast Tourism Society's Beacon 
Award. The Beacon Award recognizes an individual who best exemplifies 
outstanding leadership in the pursuit of excellence and who has 
advanced the tourism industry.
   Ms. Carpenter joined the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors 
Bureau as President and CEO in 2009, but has been actively involved in 
the Charlotte area for nearly fifteen years. Ms. Carpenter has been 
instrumental in the improvement of the Cabarrus County and Charlotte-
area tourism industry, working with leaders in the area to improve 
infrastructure development and create long-lasting relationships 
between local municipalities. One of Ms. Carpenter's greatest 
achievements during her time at the Cabarrus County Convention and 
Visitors Bureau has been her leadership in ensuring the implementation 
of the ``Destination 2020 Plan,'' a proposal to develop Cabarrus County 
as a premier travel destination and outline key components for reaching 
this goal.
   Furthermore, Ms. Carpenter has worked tirelessly to grow the image 
of Cabarrus County's tourism industry and connect with visitors and 
residents alike. Under her leadership, the Cabarrus County Convention 
and Visitors Bureau office, as well as the Visitor's Center, were 
relocated to better serve the area and act as a central hub for visitor 
activity. As a result of her efforts to improve the tourism industry in 
our area, the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau was 
accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program by 
Destination Marketing Association International in 2013.
   In addition to her work within the Cabarrus County and Charlotte-
area tourism industry, Ms. Carpenter is actively involved in our 
community. She is a member of several area organizations and serves on 
multiple boards, including the Cabarrus County Chamber of Commerce. As 
a proud alumnus of the university I am extremely grateful for her 
involvement on the University of North Carolina at Charlotte's Advisory 
Board. Clearly, Ms. Carpenter is an asset to our area, and I look 
forward to seeing all that she will accomplish in the future.
   Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Donna Carpenter 
for receiving the Southeast Tourism Society's Beacon Award, as well as 
her dedication to making Charlotte and Cabarrus County a world-class 
tourism destination.

                          ____________________