Tourism Council plans fete
Valley tourism group schedules awards luncheon
LINCOLN – The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council (BVTC) will present the 33rd annual Induction & Awards Luncheon, on Wednesday, October 3, at 11:30 am, at the Twin River Casino Event Center, 100 Twin River Road, Lincoln. Keynote speaker for the event is Lara Salamano, chief marketing officer for the RI Commerce Corporation. Salamano will provide an overview on the recent “Fun Sized” marketing campaign strategy promoting Rhode Isr land destinations. The theme and conversation at the event will focus on “Tourism & Digital Transformation”, highlighting new marketing and promotional efforts by the state of Rhode Island in attracting visitors to d our state. The tourism council will t be recognizing the annual d World Tourism Day, noting r the social, economic and cultural impact of tourism. At this year’s luncheon, the tourism council will present annual awards reflecting a diversity of people and sites important to the tourism development of the Blackstone River Valley. The William Blackstone Society inductions recognize t people that have spent much of their lives making a difference in the Blackstone River Valley. The 2018 William Blackstone Society inductees are:
Morris Nathanson, restaurant designer
As the founder and president of Morris Nathanson Design, Morris Nathanson has led projects all over the world. He has won many awards for his hospitality venues and restaurants. In 1986, after decades of business travel, Nathanson settled down in his native city, Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and renovated an old mill building for his firm’s office. An early advocate for adaptive reuse, Nathanson has been in the forefront of developing Pawtucket as a highly respected arts district. As a fine artist, Nathanson creates paintings, prints, and wood sculptures, drawing from his design aesthetic, bold use of color, and knowledge of modern art. Nathanson received his BFA from the University of Miami, and honorary doctorates from Rhode Island College and Johnson and Wales University. Most recently, he was the recipient of the prestigious Pell Award from Trinity Repertory Company.
Denise Panichas, executive director, The Samaritans of Rhode Island
Panichas is a noted long time advocate for Rhode Island’s mental health, in her role as the head of the state’s leading suicide prevention organization. In addition, Panichas has been a strong supporter of the arts community. Since 2011 The Samaritans have hosted their Forget Me Not Gallery as a showcase for area artists. And, the organization has partnered with local artisans and designers in renovation of the organizations headquarters, located in an historic home in Downtown Pawtucket. Awards being presented are:
Blackstone Valley Excellence in Tourism Business Award: R1 Karting
R1 Indoor Karting is an anchor tenant of a very large indoor entertainment complex which includes Battlegroundz laser tag, paintball and arcade, KR Baseball Academy and Rock Spot Climbing. Meticulously planned by veteran European go kart operator and former professional race car driver Mike Hezemans, R1 Indoor Karting is an exciting, brand new 90,000 square foot indoor entertainment venue for all to enjoy. With a super-sized, climate controlled, state of the art European style electric go kart asphalt track at the core of the action, this incredible new development boasts other amenities such as Bowling + Billiards, a large VIP/event/ party room and another large party room. To heighten the experience, FUEL Restaurant & Sports Bar overlooks the tracks from a beautiful mezzanine surrounded by glass and windows to see the action below and the sky above.
Footprints in History: Slatersville village, North Smithfield
Established in 1806, the village was the first planned mill village in America, by John Slater, brother of Samuel Slater, who began America’s Industrial Revolution in 1793, at Pawtucket’s Slater Mill Historic Site. The village is centered on the mill, along with housing and related services, and became the “Rhode Island system” of mill village planning.
Excellence in the Arts: Stadium Theatre, Woonsocket
Built by businessman Arthur Darman in 1926, Stadium Theatre is a centerpiece of Woonsocket’s Arts & Entertainment District. The building is one of the few remaining examples of majestic Vaudeville theaters. Since being rehabilitated from demise in 2001, Stadium Theatre has become one of Southern New England’s best known venues for live performing arts, hosting noted national and local musical and stage acts. It also serves in exposing local residents to the arts, as Stadium Theatre recently expanded its Conservancy Programs, educating participants in the many elements of performing arts production.
Rising Star Millennials in Tourism: James Diossa
Central Falls Mayor James Diossa is a Central Falls native and the first Colombian-American to serve as mayor, elected in 2012. Since being sworn in Diossa has been recognized for his efforts to restore honest governance, fiscal sustainability and civic pride to Central Falls. Among some of the many tourism related efforts that Mayor Diossa has led have included the revitalization of the Dexter Street business corridor, the Broad Street 2.0 Regeneration Project, Chocolate Mill Park, River Island Preserve on the Blackstone River and developing year round cultural community entertainment with the popular Central Falls Summer Salsa Nights. Advanced reservations are strongly suggested to attend the annual Awards Luncheon. For more information please contact BVTC at 401-7242200.