[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 24]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 32653]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        SPIRIT OF TOURISM AWARDS

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                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 16, 2009

  Mr. RAHALL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer congratulations to 
several of West Virginia's most dedicated and hardworking individuals. 
On December 1, 2009, several individuals were honored for their role in 
enhancing tourism to Greenbrier County when the Greenbrier County 
Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) presented their fourth annual 
Spirit of Tourism Awards.
  The Greenbrier County CVB presented four awards to honor people who 
have made a difference in the local economy through enhancing local 
tourism. The Spirit of Tourism Awards recognize residents that have 
made a significant impact on the tourism industry in the areas of 
tourism development, volunteerism, securing a convention or meeting to 
the area, and excelling at partnering with the Greenbrier County CVB.
  This year's Greenbrier Award recipient was awarded to Jim Justice for 
his hard work and dedication since his purchase of `The Greenbrier' 
earlier this year. Mr. Justice has made significant developments since 
then with the development of a new restaurant, Prime 44, The Tavern 
Casino, and the announcement of the new PGA Tour `The Greenbrier 
Classic'. Mr. Justice has worked hard to improve `The Greenbrier' all 
the while increasing tourism to the county and state.
  Russell Williams and Annamarie Visclosky were this year's recipients 
of the Greenbrier County Ambassador Award, which honors those who have 
assisted the tourism community by going above and beyond the call of 
duty. Mr. Williams and Ms. Visclosky have spearheaded a number of 
impressive activities in the community, including the Lewisburg 
Chocolate Festival, Carnegie Hall's Taste of Our Towns, and the Rhythm 
and Blues Festival.
  The State Fair of West Virginia was named as this year's recipient of 
the Hometown Hero Award, which recognizes an individual or group that 
has gone above the call of duty in securing conferences or meetings in 
Greenbrier County. Board Member Kathryn Tuckwiller accepted the award 
of behalf of the State Fair of West Virginia.
  The Friend of Tourism Award is chosen by the Convention and Visitors 
Bureau to recognize an individual or group that has excelled in 
promoting tourism in partnership with the Bureau. This year's winner 
was Brier Properties which was recognized for their significant hotel 
development in the area and their outstanding willingness to partner 
with the Greenbrier County CVB in marketing initiatives.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my distinguished colleagues join me in 
congratulating the winners of this year's Spirit of Tourism Awards who 
have contributed in unique ways to the growth and development of the 
economy in the Third Congressional District of West Virginia--a 
district that I am very proud to represent here in Washington, DC.

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