Stars of tourism nominated for 2014 Henry Awards

LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism has announced the nominees for the 2014 Henry Awards, a celebration that honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the tourism industry in Arkansas. The awards will be presented at the Governor’s Banquet on March 11 at the conclusion of the 40th annual Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism, which will be held at the John Q. Hammons Convention Center in Rogers.

The Henry Awards honor Henri de Tonti, a 17th-century explorer considered one of the first “Arkansas Travelers.” The Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism recognizes outstanding efforts in eight categories each year.

The awards given in those categories include the Media Support Award, the Bootstrap Award, the Arkansas Heritage Award, the Grand Old Classic Special Event Award, the Outstanding Volunteer Service Award, the Community Tourism Development Award, the Natural State Award and the Tourism Special Achievement Award.

Nominees from the Three Rivers Edition coverage area include Twyla Gill Wright of Batesville, who is being considered for the Outstanding Volunteer Service Award. This award is given to an individual or community that, through outstanding volunteer spirit, has made a substantial contribution to Arkansas’ tourism industry.

Also nominated is Joe Harper of Heber Springs. Harper is up for the Tourism Special Achievement Award, an honor annually bestowed upon an individual or organization that has contributed to the tourism industry through leadership above and beyond the normal requirements of their jobs.

During the ceremony, announcements will include the Tourism Person of the Year and the inductees into the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame. Selected by former honorees, the tourism person of the year is an individual seen to be actively involved in tourism and who has made a substantial contribution within the past year to the industry as a whole. Individuals who have been actively involved in tourism for many years and who have made sizable contributions to the betterment of the industry are considered for induction into the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame.

Department of Parks and Tourism Executive Director Richard W. Davies will preside over the event, with assistance from Miss Arkansas Amy Crain.

For more information on the conference, call (501) 682-1088. For information about the awards, call (501) 682-5240.