CVB Presents 2005 Tourism Awards

Marietta CVB Honors Volunteerism and Investment in Tourism

February 9, 2006 – Marietta, Ohio – The Marietta, Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau honored a select group of individuals with the 2005 Tourism Leadership Awards at their Open House held in January at the Putnam Commons.

Becky Johnston, owner/operator of Black Sheep Crafts, 106 Putnam Street, Marietta, received the 2005 Tourism Pioneer of the Year award recognizing her exceptional volunteerism in support of tourism and community awareness. Julia Ann Schwendeman’s nomination of Johnston for the award stated, “Becky tirelessly worked to beautify downtown with the mural painting on Front Street; she never stops working to make Marietta a better, more beautiful, place.” Kelly Dyar, Executive Director of the Marietta, Washington County CVB, said, “Becky Johnston is most deserving of this award. Her community involvement includes volunteerism with the Front Street, the Marietta Area Merchants Association, and the CVB and beyond.”

Eric Barrett, of OSU Extension and owner of Sweetapple Farm in Vincent, received the 2005 Tourism Development Partner of the Year award recognizing his vision and persistence to move farming and tourism hand-in-hand to the next level through family and rural recreation in Washington County. Dyar said, “Eric works diligently with the CVB to generate awareness of our community assets and reveal new opportunities for agri-tourism growth.” Barrett’s nomination by Jackie LeBerth and Mike Neeley, owners of Bramble Creek Bed and Breakfast and Bramble Creek Farms, praised Barrett for “Expanding the view of agriculture among farmers and non-farmers alike to include entertainment and education. By throwing open the barn doors and Sweetapple Farm, Eric provides a unique and memorable experience for persons of all ages.”

The Tourism Leadership Award program was started in 2003 by the CVB to honor its partners whose vision and commitment to the community help make our area a remarkable tourism destination. These honored individuals and businesses lead by example, take action on their ideas, and represent the very best of our community. Johnston and Barrett join a growing listing of award recipients including:

Jim & Sylvi Caporale, 2003 Tourism Pioneers of the Year

Larry Headlee, Bank One, 2003 Tourism Development Partner of the Year

Stonewall Marketing Group, 2003 Tourism Development Partner of the Year

Rob Schafer, 2004 Tourism Pioneer of the Year

Lafayette Hotel, 2004 Tourism Development Partner of the Year

For more information, contact Kelly Dyar at 373-5178.