Wilmington,
NC – May 2018 / Newsmaker Alert / The Wilmington
and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau [CVB] is pleased to announce
that Annalee Berry, General Manager of Surf House Oyster Bar & Restaurant
and The Southerly Biscuit & Pie in Carolina Beach, has been awarded
the second annual Tourism Star award. Kim Hufham, President/CEO of the
New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority [TDA] d/b/a Wilmington
and Beaches CVB, presented the award to Annalee Berry during the CVB’s
annual Travel Rally Breakfast, held on Friday, May 11th at the Wilmington
Convention Center. The award recognizes hospitality and tourism industry
professionals who exemplify the qualities of selfless spirit of service
and leadership in their work experience. The Tourism Star Award was established
in 2017 in honor of the late Jane Peterson, the CVB’s first executive director.
During National Travel and
Tourism Week, which is observed annually in early May, the CVB rallies
the industry to share the importance of travel and tourism to our economy.
In accordance with this year’s theme—Travel Then and Now—the CVB also recognized
three pioneers of tourism in grateful recognition of their pride and commitment
to the industry. Recipients of the Tourism Pioneer honorary awards are:
Bob Jenkins, owner of Wilmington Adventure Walking Tours; Carl Marshburn,
owner of Cape Fear Riverboats; and John and Janet Pucci, owners of Springbrook
Farms.
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Annalee Berry, Bob Jenkins,
Carl Marshburn (top right), and John Pucci.
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“The CVB is honored to recognize
industry professionals—past and present—who demonstrate excellence and
leadership. The timing to honor three visionary entrepreneurs who started
tour and cruise companies during the 1980s proved to be ideal for this
year’s National Travel and Tourism Week theme of Travel Then and Now,”
states Kim Hufham. “Without the vision and commitment of these men and
women, our industry would not be where we are today. These tourism pioneers
played a major role in creating a vibrant riverfront destination that has
received numerous accolades, including USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’
Choice ‘America’s Best Riverfront’ and TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice
‘Top Destinations on the Rise’.”
As a modern-day leader, Annalee
Berry stands out as a shining star who goes the extra mile to engage each
guest and provide service to visitors, thereby elevating the perception
and quality of Pleasure Island and the greater Wilmington destination.
A graduate of East Carolina University’s Hospitality Management Program,
Annalee chose to return to and help grow the coastal community she calls
home. At the young age of 24, Annalee recently became a partner in Coastal
South Hospitality Group where she utilizes her position to develop hospitality
professionals in year-round roles. She is also involved in community activities
and organizations such as 40Eats where she advocates for causes through
events that showcase the hospitality community.
“Annalee’s leadership and
dedication to the industry was pivotal in the creating and development
of The Southerly Biscuit & Pie, the first concept for our group. Since
opening in November 2017 the restaurant has steadily received praise for
its commitment to excellence in hospitality, craft goods and confections,”
states Craig Love, CEO of Coastal South Hospitality Group. “Annalee has
worked hard to elevate hospitality for our organization. We would be a
shadow of ourselves without her.”
The New Hanover County Tourism
Development Authority d/b/a Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors
Bureau is the official destination marketing organization of New Hanover
County which stimulates economic development through the promotion of travel
and tourism. For more information, go to WilmingtonAndBeaches.com.
Media Contact:
Wilmington
and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau
Connie
Nelson
Communications/PR
Director
910-332-8751
866-266-9690
ext. 120 |