|
The Hills of Headwaters Celebrates the Best in Local Tourism
Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality was celebrated by the Hills of Headwaters Tourism Association at their Annual General Meeting on Wednesday June 18th at Glen Eagle Golf Club in Caledon.
Seven Headwaters businesses and organizations were awarded top marks for their commitment to excellence in tourism and hospitality. Award winners were selected based on contribution to the local tourism industry, excellence in branding and marketing, as well as service, professionalism, and leadership in their respective sector.
Recipients of the Hills of Headwaters 2008 Tourism Awards include:
1: Tourism Ambassador of the Year
The nominees were: Larry Kurtz (Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival), The Brocks (Mary Lou & Doug) from Williams Mill Visual Arts Centre, Theatre Orangeville, Jefferson Mappin.
The 2008 Tourism Ambassador of the year is: Jefferson Mappin
Jefferson Mappin has played a leadership role in building local awareness and support for the arts sector. This has been demonstrated in his tireless work with the Headwaters Art Festival, a signature experience for the region that rallies hundreds of artists every year in a collaborative marketing initiative that is unmatched in the region.
Not only has Jefferson played a leadership role with the Headwaters Art Festival, but also with the Hills of Headwaters Tourism Association serving on the Board of Directors for four years. Jefferson is always ready to lend support, donate his time and lobby on behalf of tourism.
2. Accommodation of the Year
The nominees were: Unto the Hills B&B, The Stream B&B,Hockley Hills B&B, Best Western Orangeville Inn and Suites, The Skyview Motel
The 2008 Accommodation of the Year is: The Best Western Orangeville Inn and Suites
The Best Western Orangeville Inn and Suites offers exceptional quality, value and service; they provide superior accommodation and fill the tourism/accommodation gap in the heart of the Hills of Headwaters region. The Best Western Orangeville Inn and Suites have joined the local community by supporting and partnering with local industry and tourism operators including the Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival, Theatre Orangeville, Downtown Orangeville BIA, The Hills of Headwaters Stable Tour, and the Hills of Headwaters Tourism Association.
3. Artisan of the Year
The Nominees were: Farmhouse Pottery (Al Pace), Monica Schut (Croi Go Lamh Studio), S.J Pringle
The 2008 Artisan of the Year is: Monica Schut (Croi Go Lamh Studio)
Originality in Monica’s work is inspired by the environment. She is intrigued with texture particularly in organic form. In the sculptural medium she carves building insulation using architectural surface material including her own “recipe” of ore from Ontario mines. Monica has contributed to the local tourism industry by participating for many years in local events including the Hills of Erin Studio Tour, the Headwaters Arts Festival and is a founding member of Headwaters Arts!
4. Professional Service of the Year
The Nominees were: Focus on Media, Glendale Veterinary Hospital, Henning Salon, Echohill Web Sites
The 2008 Professional Service of the Year is: Focus on Media
Bethany and Derrick from Focus on Media offer website planning, design & implementation, ad design, production of printed materials, media coaching, marketing analysis and planning. They are passionate about story telling & will help you craft your own personal story to reach the local and not-so-local tourists and visitors. Focus on Media currently contributes volunteer hours to the “Horses in the Hills” committee using their talents as communication experts to assist this event in moving forward.
5. Restaurant of the Year
The Nominees were: Bistro Riviere, Seasons on Mill Street, The Royal Ambassador/Consulate Dining Lounge, Juniper Grill & Wine Bar, The White Truffle, Tintagels Tea Room
The 2008 Restaurant of the Year is: Juniper Grill and Wine Bar
Juniper Grill is definitely more than just a restaurant! It is a fundamental philosophy about food and wine! Proprietors Nadya and Daniel feature local in-season and organic products on their menu and their intimate knowledge of flavours are evident in everything they prepare. Beyond a wonderful menu; they offer an exceptional selection of wines, personal service and an intimate dining atmosphere.
6. Attraction/Event of the Year
The Nominees were: The Brampton Flight Centre, The Williams Mill Visual Arts Centre, Orangeville Famers’ Market, Downey’s Farm Market & Winery, The Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival, Theatre Orangeville
The Attraction/Event of the Year is: Market on Broadway (Orangeville Farmers’ Market)
Long before the trend to shop local and seasonal took hold, the Orangeville Farmer’s Market featured organic growers, seasonal produce, and small town country market charm in a friendly, fun atmosphere. Now known as Market on Broadway, this local attraction has grown over the past 17 years to become both a local and regional draw. Market on Broadway brings together suppliers of farm-raised meats, fresh produce, organic baking, maple syrup, perennials and even local shitake mushrooms. Market visitors value the opportunity to connect with the growers and suppliers of what’s in season.
7. Retailer of the Year
The Nominees were: Broadway Farm’s Market, From the Kitchen to the Table, Gallery Gemma, Debora’s Chocolate, Pear Home
The 2008 Retailer of the Year is: Broadway Farm’s Market
For many visitors to the Hills of Headwaters, the first step outside their back door is Broadway Farms Market, in the southwest sector of the region. There, visitors find top quality farm fresh and frozen meats, gourmet foods, fine cheeses, baked goods and giftware attractively displayed in an upscale country market setting. Broadway Farm’s Market has developed itself as a destination, and prides itself on making a good first impression to visitors on what they can expect as they enter the region. Proprietor Janine Livingston and staff act as ambassadors to the region, always happy to answer people’s questions, to show what the area has to offer and make recommendations on areas of interest. Inside the market, people are greeted by a wide selection of fine products, with giftware re-merchandised weekly to keep the store’s look appealing and ever-changing.
But don’t take the Tourism Association’s word for it, find out yourself just how great these organizations and businesses are by visiting one today!
Tourism injects over fifty million dollars annually into the local economies of Orangeville, Shelburne, Caledon, Dufferin, Erin and Mono. Tourism development fosters conservation and preservation of a community’s natural, cultural, historic resources, and encourages community beautification and revitalization.
To find out more about the 2008 Hills of Headwaters Tourism Award recipients, please contact the Hills of Headwaters Tourism Association at 1-800-332-9744, or info@thehillsofheadwaters.com.
|
