CARLISLE, PA (May 3, 2010) - The PA Tourism & Lodging Association (PTLA) held its Annual Spirit of Hospitality Awards Reception and Dinner on April 26, 2010, at the Sheraton Harrisburg - Hershey Hotel. These prestigious awards recognize exceptional performance, commitment and achievements in the hospitality and tourism industry throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The presentations were made by: J. Mickey Rowley, Deputy Secretary, Tourism Film & Marketing, PA Department of Community and Economic Development; and James Purdum, CHA, General Manager, Penn State Hospitality Services, The Pennsylvania State University and Chairman of the PTLA Board of Directors.
The Innkeeper of the Year Award honors an innkeeper who has demonstrated professionalism in operating a B&B, country inn, or farm vacation and has taken a leadership role in the unique lodging industry by actively participating in association, community, or industry programs.
This year's recipient of the Innkeeper of the Year is Denise "Dee" Fegan, owner of the Pheasant Field Bed and Breakfast in Carlisle. "Had I written an acceptance speech, I would have said how very special this nomination was because three innkeepers - my peers - made the time to sit down and write the nomination," said Fegan "I also would have said how special the evening was because so many friends were there to share this moment with me." The bed and breakfast is a 200-year-old brick farmhouse with 7 guest rooms. The small farm property also has a three-story 19th century barn with a horse boarding facility, which hosted the famous Budweiser Clydesdale horses last year!
"Dee is a true asset to not only the county but to the state of Pennsylvania will all her involvement. We are very excited to see her receive the recognition she deserves," said Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau Director of Tourism Shireen Farr. Dee has taken a leadership role in the tourism and lodging industry having served several terms as President of the Cumberland Valley Bed & Breakfast Association (CVBBA) and also serves on the Board of Directors of the PA Tourism & Lodging Association and PTLA's Unique Lodging Committee. She has served on the Board of PA Farm Vacation Association, is a past chair of the Board of Directors of the Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors' Bureau, and is a member of the Downtown Carlisle Association and several chambers of commerce. Dee is a very active member of the Professional Association of Innkeepers International (PAII) and has been a presenter at their conference roundtables.
The mission of the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau is to promote Cumberland Valley as a tourist destination, attract visitors to the area, enhance the visitor's experience, and to encourage and promote overnight stays.
The Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau is also part of Pennsylvania's Dutch Country Roads region, the number 1 visited region in PA, a true vacation destination where country meets city and the past lives side-by-side with the present.
Media Contact: Kristen Oakley Phone: 717.240.7195 § 717.592.8286
Email: kristen@visitcumberlandvalley.com
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