2003 Tourism Award Winners Named
Presentations made at the Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Annual Tourism Breakfast

(Grand Chute, WI) – The Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) named recipients of the Fox Cities Tourism Awards this morning during its annual Tourism Breakfast at the Holiday Inn Select of Appleton.

The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center was given the Pinnacle Award for the creation of a major new attraction that significantly contributes to the Fox Cities’ tourism mix.

“The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center is rapidly changing the face of downtown Appleton, and at the same time improving the tourism mix in our community,” said Brian Casey of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans the chair of the awards committee. “John Bergstrom, Kathi Seifert and other members of the PAC board have invested several years of their lives to make this community dream a reality. The PAC is certainly the most important new attraction built in the community during the Bureau’s history.”

The Fox Cities Marathon received the Sports Award honoring its organizers’ efforts toward the Bureau goal of increasing the number of sports events held in the Fox Cities. The award was given in recognition of the effort it takes to create and maintain a marathon of this caliber, including hundreds of volunteers, the support of local corporations and the cooperation of many government agencies.

“The Fox Cities Marathon brings name recognition to our community, as well as those cherished overnight visitors,” commented Casey. “Although it’s difficult to track exact numbers, the Bureau staff estimates that in 2002 it brought in 300 room nights, with an estimated economic impact of over $62,000.”

EAA’s Airventure was presented with the Convention Award in recognition of its consistent creation of convention business in the area.

“Although this event takes place in Oshkosh, it's certainly regional in nature,” said Casey. “The Fox Cities feels the EAA’s economic impact in hotel bookings, as well as restaurant and retail business.”

Tom Brown was presented with the Volunteer Award, given to an individual who has significantly enhanced the Bureau through their volunteer efforts. Tom began his volunteer service to the Bureau in 1993 and has served on the Executive Committee for eight years, including holding every officer position. Tom chairs the Bureau’s Capital Development Committee, putting in many hours and bringing wisdom to the difficult process of making grants.

“Volunteers are the life blood of any not for profit organization,” commented Casey, “Tom’s dedication has certainly been an asset to the Bureau.”

The Outagamie Museum and Houdini Historical Center received the Heritage Award for its projects showcasing the area’s rich heritage. The Museum has steadily increased the quality of its exhibits, including the current exhibit, “Call to Duty: Outagamie County in World War II.”

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The Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau is a private, not-for-profit corporation working to develop an economically viable convention and visitor business in the Fox Cities. This is accomplished by attracting meetings, conventions and tournaments to the community and promoting area attractions and special events to tourists and other visitors.