’ 17 RECAP
NTA recognizes member excellence
During the event , the association honored the outstanding industry contributions of individuals and organizations in the areas of professionalism , government advocacy and volunteer leadership .
Terry MacRae ( center ), founder and CEO of Hornblower Events & Cruises , was presented with the NTA Pioneer Award by Justin Osbon , outgoing NTA board chair , and Pam Inman , NTA president .
Heather Anderson of Travel Portland ( left ) and Lisa Itel of Travel Oregon accepted the Shining Star Award on behalf of their DMOs . The award recognizes organizations for their support of NTA and its mission .
Patti Culp ( right ), executive director of the Alabama Travel Council , was named Volunteer of the Year for her decades of service to the association in leadership roles and government relations programs .
Paul Nakamoto ( center ), vice president of Gray Line of San Francisco , received the Bob Everidge Lifetime Achievement Award from Justin Osbon and Pam Inman .
Courier brought its Distinguished Dozen gold winners on stage during Tuesday ’ s luncheon . From left : Lisa Itel , Travel Oregon ; Heather Anderson , Travel Portland ; Janice Weinman and Maya Tamim , Hilton Worldwide ; Joe Luffman , Gaylord Opryland Hotel & Resort ; Liz Gilbert , Entertainment Cruises ; Peter Waugh , Broadway Inbound / The Shubert Organization ; Pam Inman ; Roxana Rivera , Newseum ; Steve Olender , Mohegan Sun ; Tara Hippensteel , Hard Rock International ; Stephen Braun , Macy ’ s ; Jodi Danyluk , Norwegian Cruise Line ; Malia Asfour , Jordan Tourism Board ; Bob Rouse , editor , Courier ; Kami Risk , president , NTA Services .
The association recognized its inaugural Top Five Young Professionals . They are ( from left ) Dave Nitkiewicz , Experience Grand Rapids ; Michelle Tupman , Great Canadian Holiday ; Lisa Itel , Travel Oregon ; LouAnna Henton , Nashville CVB ; Fraser Neave , Wells Gray Tours .
Thomas E . Jaffa ( center ), was presented the James D . Santini Award for his role in NTA ’ s government relations efforts . With him are former Santini Award winners Neil Amrine , Patti Culp and Mark Hoffmann , along with Pam Inman .
34 April / May 2017