CHADRON – Tourism industry professionals will be recognized April 3 during the annual Treasure Chest of the Northwest event, sponsored by Discover Northwest Nebraska, Chadrad Communications and the Chadron Chamber of Commerce.
“We have many great people and places providing wonderful experiences for visitors, and it’s important to recognize them,” said Kerri Rempp, director of Discover Northwest Nebraska. “Our annual tourism awards are now in their third year, and we once again have excellent nominations from the public.”
Nominees for Frontline Employee of the Year include Irene Hughes of Q’s Dairy Sweet in Crawford, Debbon Shields of Chadron State Park and Ashy Blacksheep of the Crawford Public Library. In the Business/Attraction category, two nominations were submitted: Chadron State Park, last year’s award winner, and Runza. Finally, for Tourism Volunteer of the Year, George Ledbetter, Phyllis Carlson, Suze Jones and the Dawes County Historical Museum volunteers as a group were all nominated.
The awards will be presented at the conclusion of the Treasure Chest event, which also provides Northwest Nebraska tourism professionals with a chance to network. This year’s speakers for the event will be Caitlin Roes of UNL Extension and Starr Lehl from Grow Nebraska. Roes will share information on Rural Prosperity’s Red Carpet Service and First Impressions programs, while Lehl will discuss opportunities available through Grow Nebraska.
Event coordinators, business/attraction managers, owners, employees and volunteers are invited to attend the event April 3 at the Dawes County Fairgrounds. Doors will open at 5 p.m. RSVPs are required by March 28 to Rempp at director@discovernwnebraska.com or 308-432-3006. Tickets are $5 per person, payable at the door to B&B Catering by cash or check.
