Convention & Visitors Bureau Awarded Hospitality & Promotional Grants

The local visitors bureau announced their Promotional Assistance Grant winners in their “Tourism Banquet & Pineapple Awards” on May 6th.

I have already spoken with the “Ohio River Valley Ts,” who were given a grant for hosting the 35th annual Ohio Model T Jamboree on Labor Day weekend in Chillicothe and Ross County. In fact, I was so preoccupied with their interview that I missed everyone else.

In consolation, here is a briefing of the event from Melody Young, director of the Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau. (Hear her in her own words in the below video interview.)

The pineapple is a symbol of hospitality, so their “Pineapple Awards” are for the people or organizations voted “best of the best” in local tourism, those in the industry who go beyond their day-to-day job:

• The “Front Line” winner, for her face-to-face work, is Susanne Toth of “Kindly” in “The Fort Collective” at Mulberry and Second streets
• “Behind the Scenes” is Lee Crouse of “Tecumseh!”
• Volunteer of the Year is Terressa Reep for her work with the Friends of Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, the Daughters of the American Revolution, “Shine on Chillicothe,” and more.
• Manager of the Year is Christina Horsely, general manger of Quality Inn
• The “Grand Pineapple” went to Hopewell Culture National Historical Park for their part in the World Heritage listing for the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks

The other big list from the event is the recipients of the Promotional Assistance Grant. Young said they had $81,000 in requests, but could fund only their usual $20,000. That was spread among 12 winners:

• “Without Her” film
• Southern Ohio Forest Rally
• Ohio Jeepfest
• Juneteenth
• Smash-It Derby
• Scioto Society (“Tecumseh!” drama and more)
• Ohio River Valley Model Ts
• Ross County Historical Society
• Chillicothe Half Marathon
• Project Bad Apple (disc golf)
• Gus Macker
• Chillicothe Trail / GPS 100

Youg also noted that their colorful new large wayfinding signs are finally going up throughout the county. After being delayed several months, more than half of the 88 signs are now directing visitors to tourism sites.

Learn more on their website and Faceboook page.

Find more in the article on the Scioto Post, including a video interview.

Kevin Coleman covers local government and culture for the Scioto Post and iHeart Media Southern Ohio. For stories or questions, contact Kevin Coleman or the iHeart Southern Ohio Newsroom.