LOUISVILLE, Ky. (November 13, 2015) – The Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau (LCVB) honored TALK’s Executive Director, Dawn Marie Yankeelov, and its inaugural Techfest Louisville at this year’s annual meeting and awards ceremony on Friday, November 13. Celebrating its 23nd year, the event recognizes the many people on the front line that hae made Louisville a successful destination. More than 400 distinguished guests and tourism professionals attended the event held at the Marriott Louisville Downtown.
Yankeelov was named a Louisville Ambassador because she founded Techfest Louisville and oversaw its development. She was given a $25 Macy’s card, a certificate of appreciation, and a clear glass award at the event. Dave Mattingly, Techfest Chair 2015, was also present for the awards presentation.
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TALK Executive Director Dawn Yankeelov was honored a Louisville ambassador at the R.O.S.E. awards at the Marriott Downtown in Louisville for founding Techfest Louisville. She is pictured here with her faithful Techfest Chair Dave Mattingly; Ray Smith of Hilton Garden Inn Downtown who assisted in Techfest’s success; and Transportation Rose Award nominee Edward “Corky” Aspartore of R & R Limousine.
The Ambassador Awards were given to 32 individuals who have significantly contributed to the Bureau’s sales and service initiatives by helping to retain and bring convention business to Louisville. The 2015 recipients include the following: Allison Hammons, Annette Turner, Artie Grassman, Barbara Gordon, Lieutenant Brent Routzahn, Brett Bachmann, Dawn Riley, Dawn Yankeelov, Sergeant Eric Culver, Janna Estep-Jordan, Lee Johnson, Laura, Leah Rippetoe, Lisa Thompson, Michael L. Rowland, Mike Tudor, Pavel Zahorik, Sarah Reed Harris, Sergeant Paul L. Humphrey, Todd O’Banion, Detective Tom Hodgkins, Chief Steve Conrad, Debbie Fox, Doug Hamilton, George Barrett, Lieutenant Don George, Lieutenant Joe Seelye, Lieutenant Shawn Hensler, Major Curtis Flaherty, Major Mike Crenshaw, and Traci Crenshaw.
“It is my privilege to publicly thank these men and women whose work exemplifies true hospitality,” said Karen Williams, LCVB president & CEO. “They are making a difference and contributing to the economic vibrancy of our city by creating a positive experience for our visitors.”
Separately, outside of the Louisville ambassador recognitions that day, the 2015 ROSE Award winners are:
Accommodations: Fran Butz, Hampton Inn Louisville North
Attractions: Freddie Johnson, Buffalo Trace Distillery
Behind-the-Scenes: Brian Jackson, Hyatt Regency Louisville
Dining: Kelly McDaniel, SWAY Bar at Hyatt Regency Louisville
Transportation: James Wilson, Mint Julep Tours & Transportation
Volunteers: Sally Tilford, Louisville Regional Airport Authority
Greater Louisville Hotel & Lodging Association sponsored the “Spirit of Hospitality” Award, which was presented to Jo Vaughn, Best Western Plus I-64, she received $1,000 cash prize.
Each ROSE Award honoree was greeted on stage by LCVB President & CEO Karen Williams and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer. Each winner received a $250 American Express card, an ipad mini, a rose dipped in 24kt gold, a framed certificate of excellence signed by Mayor Fischer and Karen Williams, and a beautiful custom glass award by local artist, Casey Hyland.
The Dan Mangeot Award was presented to Lynn Ashton. The Dan Mangeot Award is given to an individual who has made significant contributions to the advancement of tourism and has a history of supporting the hospitality industry throughout his/her professional lifetime. Ashton recently retired as President of the Kentucky Derby Museum.
The travel and tourism industry supports over 36,000 jobs in the greater Louisville area creating an economic impact of over $3 billion with over 12 million visitors annually.