CVB recognizes "best of the best" in Ross County at Pineapple awards

Shelby Reeves, Chillicothe Gazette
Several award winners were recognized for their hard work and dedication during the annual Pineapple Awards on May 6, 2024.
Several award winners were recognized for their hard work and dedication during the annual Pineapple Awards on May 6, 2024.

CHILLICOTHE — The Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau recently held its ninth-annual Tourism Banquet & Pineapple Awards celebrating local excellence in increasing tourism to the area.

The banquet, held at the Christopher Conference Center, celebrates the "best of the best" in Ross County and helps kick off the tourism season for the area. Awards include Manager of the Year, Front Line Associate of the Year, Behind the Scenes Associate of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and the Grand Pineapple Award.

See winners from last year: Chillicothe tourism leaders honored at 8th annual Pineapple Awards

Melody Young, Executive Director of the Visitors Bureau, said that this year has been a great one for Ross County with the official UNESCO World Heritage Designation and the recently announced grant money coming to the area. She said she is "excited" to see the upcoming improvements to the area.

Young also thanked all of those at the banquet who played a part in helping tourism, from government officials to those working at local businesses.

"We could not do what we do without every single one of you," said Young.

Winners of the annual awards were: Teressa Reep with the Volunteer of the Year award, Lee Crouse with the Behind the Scenes Associate award, Suzanne Toth with the Front Line Associate award, and Katrina Horsley with the Manager of the Year award. All winners received a plaque recognizing their accomplishments.

This year the Grand Pineapple Award went to the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park. During the presentation of the award the park and its staff were recognized for their dedication and work put into changing the future and preserving the past.

Chris Alford with the park said the award was a testament to all the hard work put in over the years to get the World Heritage Designation and provide a welcoming and educational place for visitors.

Twelve organizations received grants during the annual Pineapple Awards on May 6, 2024.
Twelve organizations received grants during the annual Pineapple Awards on May 6, 2024.

Promotional Assistance Grants were also awarded to twelve local organizations:

  • Cheryl's House of Hope

  • Chillicothe Half Marathon

  • Chillicothe Trails

  • Mid Ohio Jeepers

  • Ohio River Valley T Club

  • Project Bad Apple

  • Pump House Center for the Arts

  • Ross County Historical Society

  • Smash It Demolition Derby

  • Southern Ohio Forest Rally

  • Scioto Society

  • Without Her

Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Shelby_Reeves_

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Local tourism banquet recognizes hard work of those in the community

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