Eugene, OR - Travel Lane County's President/CEO Kari Westlund was recognized for 25 years of service during the 2021 Visitor Industry Celebration on July 9, 2021. In the photo above, Ms. Westlund is presented a stained glass piece of art created by Travel Lane County's Vice President of Finance and Administration, Liz Bocking. 

The Visitor Industry Awards recognize individuals and organizations that have contributed significantly to the Lane County hospitality industry. "It was exciting to come together in-person, and virtually, to celebrate our region's hospitality partners as part of the our 2021 Visitor Industry Award Celebration," noted Kari Westlund, Travel Lane County President/CEO.  Recipients.were recognized in six award categories and the entire program may be viewed on Travel Lane County's YouTube channel.

Huge thanks to our presenting sponsors Mereté Hotel Management and Summit Bank and our supporting sponsors, Turell Group, Venue 252 and Vollara Independent Business Owner Lada Korol. 

Convention Leadership The Convention Leadership Award is presented to a local resident(s) or business that is directly responsible for the confirmation of a meeting or event, which brings in a significant number of overnight visitors to Lane County. Darby Giannone was recognized with the 2021 Convention Leadership Award. Please enjoy the 2021 Convention Leadership Award video.

Sports Leadership The Sports Leadership Award is presented to a local resident(s) or business that is directly responsible for the confirmation of a sports event, which brings in a significant number of overnight visitors to Lane County. Tyler Norman and The Ted Norman Memorial Baseball Complex was recognized with the 2021 Sports Leadership Award. Please enjoy the 2021 Sports Leadership Award video.

Destination  The Destination Award is presented to a business or individual who, through their efforts, have excelled in promoting the community and the Eugene, Cascades & Coast as a visitor destination. Tracey Sunflower, owner of the the Westfir Lodge and Cascades Outdoor Center was recognized with the Destination Award. Please enjoy the 2021 Destination Award video.

Stewardship  The Stewardship Award is presented to a business or organization that creates greater business/organization value through its demonstrated commitment to its people (social equity), the planet (environment) and profit (economic value). Emily Jensen and Thinking Tree Spirits was recognized with the 2021 Stewardship Award. Please enjoy the 2021 Stewardship Award video. 300

Community Leadership The Community Leadership Award is presented to a group, business or individual that has significantly contributed to the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region's tourism industry or visitor experience through an advocacy program(s), visitor product(s), or community development. Ginevra Ralph and Sue Prichard were recognized with the 2021 Community Leadership Award. Please enjoy the 2021 Community Leadership Award video. Tourism Ambassadors Travel Lane County’s Tourism Ambassador award has recognized the partnership Travel Lane County has with each chamber of commerce in the region. Our chamber partners know their community better than anyone and over the past several years we have asked them each to select an individual, business or organization that provides exceptional hospitality to locals and visitors. Past award recipients have been a true reflection of the diversity, professionalism, and compassion each of our communities offers visitors every single day. They truly deliver the Oregon Experience. Executive Director Alice Bonasio, collects Tourism Ambassador award on behalf of the McKenzie River Chamber of Commerce. Photo credit: Natalie Inouye COVID caused all our organizations to pivot and during this time Travel Lane County and Lane County’s Chambers of Commerce worked more closely than ever to support our region’s businesses. This collaboration allowed us to communicate consistently and to provide valuable resources for understanding the ever-changing health and safety guidelines, the latest grant and loan programs and much more.  Because of their partnership and their great work throughout the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region, we presented our Lane County Chambers of Commerce this year’s Tourism Ambassador Award.

Mckenzie River Locals helping Locals will be hosting an open panel discussion with ODOT, and other agencies regarding the HAZARDOUS TREE REMOVAL.