Finalists Announced for the NWTN Cornerstone Tourism Awards

Congratulations to the finalists of NWTN Cornerstone Tourism 14 awards.  The passion and dedication of these individuals make our region a must-visit destination. If you see one of your favorites, be sure to show them some love.

WINNERS will be announced at the NWTN Cornerstone Tourism Awards, presented by VRL Hotels 2 LLC and Hampton Inn Paris TN:

Event Date: April 3, 2024

Time: 6:00pm

Location: The Dixie Carter Performing Arts & Academic Enrichment Center in Huntingdon, TN

Get Your Tickets: https://www.dixiepac.net/community-series/cornerstone-awards

Join us in celebrating these finalists and the incredible impact of tourism across NWTN! Your support at this event not only honors them but also strengthens our entire tourism community. Don’t miss this unforgettable night!

Also sponsored by: TDTD Industry (TN Dept. of Tourism), Discovery Park of America, and L. I. Smith & Associates.

Award Categories/Finalists

The Cornerstone Tourism Awards will recognize outstanding contributions in three key categories:

Experience Awards – Honoring top businesses in lodging, dining, shopping, attractions, events/festivals, and venues.

Cornerstone Champion Attraction Finalists: Lavendar Kisses Farm, Southland Safari Cabins & Guided Tours and White Squirrel Winery & Vinyard.

Cornerstone Champion Dining Finalists: Blake’s at Southern Milling, Boyette’s Dining Room and Oaklawn Southern Dining.

Cornerstone Champion Event/Festival Finalists: Old Time Bluegrass & Fiddlers’ Jamboree, Tennessee Soybean Festival and West Tennessee Strawberry Festival.

Cornerstone Champion Lodging: Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park Cabins, Sandy Creek Farms and Southland Safari Cabins & Guided Tours.

Cornerstone Champion Venue: Crown Winery, Discovery Park of America and The Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center.

Cornerstone Champion Shopping Finalists: My Favorite Things, Sugar & Spice Ladies Clothing & Jewelry and The Chocolate Bunny.

Individual Awards – Celebrating dedicated professionals and volunteers in tourism, including special Volunteer and Emerging Excellence Awards.

Cornerstone Star Lodging Finalists: Pulani “Lani” Hodge-Sleep Inn/Mainstay Suites in Union City, Christa Hopper-Sleep Inn/Mainstay Suites in Union City and Lyne Murae Sands-Magnolia Manor & Chapel.

Cornerstone Star Shopping Finalists: Sharon Maloan-Sugar & Spice Ladies Clothing & Jewelry, Taylor Griffin & Susie Pratt-Ivy Corner Gift + Flower Shop and Mary Beth Puckett-My Favorite Things.

Cornerstone Star Attraction Finalists: Michael Avery – Southland Safari Cabins & Guided Tours, Jessica Duncan – Lily’s Garden and Bill Sanderson-White Squirrell Winery & Vinyard.

Cornerstone Star Dining Finalists: Drew Beeler-Hometown Hangout, Alan Laderman-Sammies, The Grind Mac & Cheese Burger Bar, Woodfire Pizza Kitchen, and Blake Stoker-Blake’s at Southern Milling.

Cornerstone Volunteer Star Finalists: Zach Marbrey, Alicia Pinto and Rick Revel.

Emerging Excellence Award: Drew Butler, Caroline Partin and Clint Weaver.

Partner Awards – Recognizing outstanding Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) and tourism partners that actively support and promote the industry.

Star Cornerstone Champion DMO Finalists: Dyersburg Chamber of Commerce/Visit Dyer County/Main Street Dyersburg, Martin Business Association and Obion County Chamber of Commerce.

Star Cornerstone Champion Partner: Caroline Partin-Discover Reelfoot, Brianna Roser-Dyersburg/Dyer County Chamber of Commerce, Visit Dyer Co., Main Street Dyersburg, Libby Wickersham-Greater Gibson County Chamber of Commerce.

This premier event celebrates excellence in tourism across Benton, Carroll, Crockett, Dyer, Gibson, Henry, Lake, Obion, and Weakley Counties, recognizing individuals, businesses, organizations, and other entities that contribute to making Northwest Tennessee a top destination.

“The Dixie is thrilled to be the venue for the Cornerstone Awards, and we look forward to celebrating the very best of Northwest Tennessee!” said Angela DeMaris, Executive Director of The Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center. “This evening will be filled with quality entertainment and networking opportunities for tourism professionals alike—you don’t want to miss it!”

Attendees will enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres served from multiple local eateries, live music from Leslie and Brooke Cooper of 24 Seven, and an energetic program hosted by Suzanne Harper and Courtney Echols of Extra Credit Team Solutions. Based in Martin, TN, Extra Credit Team Solutions is a leadership and teamwork consulting company founded by two former coworkers turned best friends. Known for their flash, flair, hot pink vibes, and love of bubbles, Suzanne and Courtney bring energy and excitement to every team they work with.