Press Releases
Oklahoma Tourism Entities Recognized
with 2009 Redbud Awards
News Release
October 21, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Austin Tackett
Phone: 405-230-8413 (desk) or 405-808-5929 (cell)
Email: Austin@TravelOK.com
Oklahoma Tourism Entities Recognized with
2009 Redbud Awards
(Tulsa,Okla.) –A record number of Oklahoma’s tourism professionals gathered to honor fellow tourism industry leaders with Redbud Awards at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism. Lt. Gov. Jari Askins and Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department Executive Director Hardy Watkins announced the winners during a special gala held on Oct. 19, 2009 at the Renaissance Hotel in Tulsa.
"Redbud Awards represent the highest honor given in the Oklahoma tourism industry," said Watkins. “It was an exciting evening recognizing the efforts of our industry, and a great celebration of tourism."
Entries are evaluated by out-of-state judges based on criteria including customer service, marketing effectiveness, media relations, variety of audiences reached, value, and overall creativity. The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department partners with the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association (OTIA) to present the annual Redbud Awards.
“There is no better way to showcase the diversity of travel opportunities in Oklahoma than by honoring the best each year and bestowing them with these awards,” said Watkins.
Two individuals were also recognized during the ceremony for their distinguished contributions to the tourism industry. Bill Anoatubby, Governor of the Chickasaw Nation, was presented with the Oklahoma Ambassador award for going above and beyond to support and advance tourism.
In addition, Carol Jordan, founder and president of Territorial Tours Limited, was honored with the OTIA King of the Road Award presented by Red Carpet Charters. Jordan was the first-ever recipient of this award which recognizes those who have made it their life’s work to promote and better tourism in Oklahoma.
While convened at the Governor's Conference on Tourism, attendees spent two days learning about the latest travel trends, media technology and more.
A full list of 2009 Redbud Award winners is below. For more information about Oklahoma’s travel and tourism industry, visit www.TravelOK.com or www.OTIA.info.
2009 Redbud Award winners include:
Outstanding
Agritourism Attraction
RedBud: Buckhorn
Lodge
Best Social Media
Campaign
RedBud: Miami
Convention & Visitors Bureau
Merit: Ardmore Convention & Visitors Bureau
Best
Brochure/Publication: Single Sheet
RedBud: Duncan
Convention and Visitors Bureau
Merit: Muskogee
Chamber of Commerce and Tourism
Best Brochure/Publication:
Booklet 10 Pages or Less
RedBud: Oklahoma City
National Memorial & Museum
Best
Brochure/Publication: Booklet 11 Pages or More
RedBud: Oklahoma City
Convention & Visitors Bureau
Merit: Cherokee
Nation Cultural Tourism
Best Overall Marketing
Campaign
RedBud: Edmond
Convention & Visitors Bureau
Merit: Oklahoma City
National Memorial & Museum
Best Website
RedBud: Muskogee
Chamber of Commerce and Tourism
Merit: Premier Lake
Property
Best Partnership
RedBud: Shawnee
Convention & Visitors Bureau and Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center
Merit: Chickasaw
National Recreation Area and Sulphur Chamber of Commerce
Outstanding
Attraction
RedBud: Chisholm
Trail Heritage Center
Merit: Chickasaw
National Recreation Area
Outstanding New Attraction
RedBud: Andy
Alligator’s Fun Park
Merit: Cherokee
Nation Cultural Tourism
Outstanding Temporary
Exhibit
RedBud (tie):
Oklahoma History Center and Oklahoma City Museum of Art
Merit: Stafford Air
& Space Museum
Outstanding Event
RedBud: Rooster Days
Festival
Merit: The Ponca City
Herb Festival, Inc.
Outstanding New Event
RedBud: Rocklahoma
2008
Merit: Durant Main
Street Skating on the Square
Outstanding Feature
Story
RedBud: Oklahoma City
Convention and Visitors Bureau
Merit: Stillwater CVB
& Small Market Meetings
Tourism Organization
of the Year
RedBud: Oklahoma City
Convention and Visitors Bureau
Merit: Muskogee
Chamber of Commerce and Tourism
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