FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory Recognizes Tourism Initiatives and Partners at Annual Awards Banquet and Auction on May 6

Awards go to Molalla, Mt. Hood, Oregon City and Wilsonville tourism partners

May 9, 2005 Oregon City, Ore. – Clackamas County solidified its commitment to increasing tourism more than 10 years ago through the creation of the Tourism Development Council (TDC).  The destination marketing organization now promotes the county under Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory and receives support from partners, businesses and events throughout the region.  On May 6, the TDC recognized outstanding work by several partners at the Annual Awards Banquet and Auction.  Held at The Resort at The Mountain in Welches, the event drew 170 guests and raised approximately $7,000 for the Oregon Restaurant Education Foundation (OREF) ProStart Program.  The program allows high school students to earn credits while learning practical hospitality industry skills.  ProStart students served appetizers and spoke with guests at the evening reception.

In lieu of a plaque, recipients were awarded an original piece of art.  The Arts Action Alliance of Clackamas County put a call out to local artists, and the TDC selected Clackamas County-resident Gary Warkentin to craft a piece that represents the bounty of Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory.  Inspired by themes from nature and the spare designs of tile makers of the early 1900s, Warkentin’s Craven Manor Pottery creates handmade tiles in the tradition of the Arts and Crafts Movement.  After creating the awards, the design was retired, making this a very unique piece for the recipients.  A different local artist is selected to participate each year and an artist proof will be on display in the TDC office in Oregon City.

AWARDS:

Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory gave out the following awards to tourism development partners:

Quality Service
Awarded to: Maxine Elle, Best Western – Willamette Inn
The Mt. Hood Territory has participated in the statewide "Q" Customer Service Training program since the fall of 2003.  This award honors an employee of a Q-certified business who exemplifies "Q" principles through his/her outstanding customer service.  The TDC Community Relations Committee made the selection.

Innovative Marketing/Best Practices
Awarded to: Kathy Franco, Rivershore Hotel in Oregon City
The Mt. Hood Territory is always looking for new and unique ways to promote the region and encourage regional, national and international guests to visit the area.  This award honors efforts by an individual organization, or a partnered effort between multiple organizations, to increase business, build revenue, or promote recognition             among potential visitors/customers, particularly during shoulder seasons.  The TDC Marketing Committee made the selection.

Chairman's Award
Awarded to: Gene Green/the City of Molalla and the Mt. Hood National Forest/USFS
The Mt. Hood Territory relies on its partners to develop and promote themselves as visitor destinations and attractions.  This award honors an outstanding project, event, business, individual or partnership that supports tourism development and epitomizes the spirit of Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory. 
The TDC Chairman made the selection.

BACKGROUND:

The TDC was established in 1993 as the Clackamas County destination marketing organization.  The ongoing goal has been to promote regional offerings such as outdoor recreation, heritage and agriculture to visitors.  The council's efforts are funded solely by the Clackamas County lodging tax.  Linda Bell serves as the executive director and her staff includes: Erik Wolf, group marketing manager; Jeannine Breshears, special projects coordinator; Wendy Popkin, community relations consultant; Megan Conway, media relations manager; and Vicki La Duke, administrative assistant.

The TDC Board Members include: Chairman, Melody Johnson; Vice Chairman, Chip Terhune; Dee Denton; Julie Hoffman; Tim Hohl; Roy Jay; Jeff Kohnstamm; Jude Strader; and Jim Wasson.

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