CUMBERLAND VALLEY, PA (November 17, 2014) - The Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau (CVVB) announced the winners for the 2015 Best in the Valley, Partner of the Year and Volunteer of the Year at the annual Cumberland Valley Tourism Conference on November 12, 2014 at the Catering Barn in Mechanicsburg.
The Tourism Conference is held annually to update area businesses and organizations about the CVVB's previous year highlights, plans for the future and the economic impacts of tourism. This year the Tourism Conference highlighted the growing trend of Culinary Tourism and ways Cumberland Valley can benefit from this emerging traveler segment.
2015 Best in the Valley Winners:
The CVVB has been collecting votes throughout the year for the best place to eat, shop, sleep and play in Cumberland Valley. Voters were encouraged to submit their votes online at www.visitcumberlandvalley.com. The CVVB also facilitated 2015 voting at Business and Industry Night, Cinco de Mayo Mixer and Mega Mixer.
Here are this year's winners:
Best Restaurant (Eat) - Boiling Springs Tavern (2nd Year in a Row): One voter said, "Always friendly and you can depend on the meal being superb. I have been calling Boiling Springs Tavern my favorite since soon after they opened."
Best Shop (Shop) - American Artisan Gallery (2nd Year in a Row): One voter said, "The beauty of the American handcrafted items in this store is almost overwhelming. And Pam is clearly passionate about the artisans she represents."
Best Attraction (Play) - Carlisle Events: One voter said, "The events...are awesome. Something for everyone."
Best Lodging (Sleep) - Comfort Suites Carlisle: One voter said, "This is my favorite place to stay in Carlisle. The employees are always gracious and helpful and the food is wonderful."
The 2015 winners will receive a cling to display at their establishment, a personalized poster for display, recognition on CVVB collateral including VisitCumberlandValley.com, eNewsletters, and the Visitors Guide, and recognition in ads placed by the CVVB.
The CVVB will continue the Best in the Valley campaign in 2015 and voting has already begun. The CVVB encourages businesses to seek votes from their customers and friends on www.visitcumberlandvalley.com.
Partner of the Year:
The CVVB announced the staff-chosen Partner of the Year Award at the Tourism Conference. The staff selected Courtney Woznek, the Director of Sales for Comfort Suites Carlisle to receive this year's award. Keeping with the culinary theme, the CVVB awarded Courtney with an engraved set of pewter measuring cups from The Greatest Gift in downtown Carlisle. The CVVB staff recognized Courtney for her enthusiasm and commitment to growing the destination and being involved in the community. Courtney assisted the CVVB with many projects over the years, most recently hosting the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance Media Marketplace.
Volunteer of the Year:
The CVVB also awarded Volunteer of the Year to Debbie Reitzel. She has contributed 150+ hours to the Cumberland Valley Visitors Center in downtown Carlisle since 2011.
About CAEDC
CAEDC is Cumberland County's authorized agency charged with leveraging and promoting Cumberland Valley's economic development and tourism assets to drive growth, create jobs and improve the quality of life. Offices are located at 53 W. South Street, Carlisle PA. For more information, visit www.cumberlandbusiness.com and www.visitcumberlandvalley.com.
