Visit Loudoun’s annual awards ceremony puts the spotlight on the businesses and people who contribute to the visitor experience that helps make Loudoun County the commonwealth’s top destination.
During this year’s program, held May 9 at Stone Tower Winery, the Loudoun Wineries & Winegrowers Association was presented with Visit Loudoun’s highest award, a hotel guest service agent was recognized for life-saving actions, the Town of Leesburg landed accolades for two events, and U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton was thanked her support for the industry, especially efforts to expand agri-tourism, during her time as a state and federal representative for the past 10 years
Wexton is not seeking reelection after being diagnosed progressive supra-nuclear palsy a rare brain condition that affects her body movements, balance and speech. She addressed the crowd using an electronic tablet to read her remarks.
“This is not how I envisioned to my career in public service coming to an end, but it has been the honor of my life to represent my community in Congress,” she said. “Having been supported by enthusiastic partnerships with so many in our community like you all in Visit Loudoun has not only made my job much easier, but also much more rewarding. And I’m not done yet. There’s still many months left in my term and I look forward to making the most of every opportunity I can to deliver for our district.”
Visit Loudoun’s 2024 Judy Patterson Award was presented to the Loudoun Wineries & Winegrowers Association. The organization was founded 1991 to promote education and collaboration in the industry and is credited with working to elevate the reputation of Loudoun wines through its special programing.
The program’s top recognition, the Judy Patterson Award, was presented to the Loudoun Wineries & Winegrowers Association. The organization was founded 1991 to promote education and collaboration in the industry and is credited with working to elevate the reputation of Loudoun wines through its special programing.
Steve Hines Partner of the Year was presented to Old Ox Brewery. While the Burns family is known for its collaboration with a wide range of community groups, it was given special recognition for last year’s Bye Dan beer, which celebrated the end of Dan Synder’s ownership of the Washington Commanders.
The Tourism Manager of the Year was presented to Chris Suarez, general manager, Bear Chase Brewing Company in Bluemont. The award recognizes a dynamic and effective leader who inspires others to provide exceptional service and in doing so giver back to the industry.
This year’s Back-of-the House Hero award, which recognizes important contributions of hospitality employees who customers may never see, was presented to Greg “Luke” Haley. He is the senior maintenance supervisor at the National Conference Center, where he has worked for 48 years and spurred the campus’ go-to problem-solving mantra: “Ask Luke.”
The Front-of-the-House Hero award went to Eduardo Alvarenga, a guest service agent at the Candlewood Suites-Sterling. He was credited with life-saving action after noticing a favorite guest had not been heard from. A check on her room found her unconscious on the floor. After gaining access through the bolted door, he provided aid until the ambulance arrived and she was admitted to the ICU at an area hospital.
Organizers of the US Youth Soccer Eastern Regional Soccer Tournament won the Tourism Event of the Year award. The event was held last June at two county sports parks, bringing 4,600 players and 11,700 attendees, while selling out all available hotel rooms and earning a national economic impact award.
The Town of Leesburg won two awards. One of the town’s most well-established events—Leesburg Flower & Garden Festival—was named the Community Event of the Year. Meanwhile, a new initiative by the town’s Department of Economic Development—the Leesburg Loves Dogs campaign—was named the Tourism Marketing Promotion/PR Campaign of the Year.
Cheri Shields, of Hidden View Bed & Breakfast, was named Loudoun Certified Tourism Ambassador of the Year. She is one of more than 350 industry representatives who have undergone special training to enhance the experience of visitors through their knowledge of local amenities.
Leesburg’s newest hotel, Home2 Suites by Hilton, was named the New Tourism Business of the Year. The manage
Visit Loudoun’s annual awards ceremony puts the spotlight on the businesses and people who contribute to the visitor experience that helps make Loudoun County the commonwealth’s top destination.
During this year’s program, held May 9 at Stone Tower Winery, the Loudoun Wineries & Winegrowers Association was presented with Visit Loudoun’s highest award, a hotel guest service agent was recognized for life-saving actions, the Town of Leesburg landed accolades for two events, and U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton was thanked her support for the industry, especially efforts to expand agri-tourism, during her time as a state and federal representative for the past 10 years
Wexton is not seeking reelection after being diagnosed progressive supra-nuclear palsy a rare brain condition that affects her body movements, balance and speech. She addressed the crowd using an electronic tablet to read her remarks.
“This is not how I envisioned to my career in public service coming to an end, but it has been the honor of my life to represent my community in Congress,” she said. “Having been supported by enthusiastic partnerships with so many in our community like you all in Visit Loudoun has not only made my job much easier, but also much more rewarding. And I’m not done yet. There’s still many months left in my term and I look forward to making the most of every opportunity I can to deliver for our district.”
The program’s top recognition, the Judy Patterson Award, was presented to the Loudoun Wineries & Winegrowers Association. The organization was founded 1991 to promote education and collaboration in the industry and is credited with working to elevate the reputation of Loudoun wines through its special programing.
Steve Hines Partner of the Year was presented to Old Ox Brewery. While the Burns family is known for its collaboration with a wide range of community groups, it was given special recognition for last year’s Bye Dan beer, which celebrated the end of Dan Synder’s ownership of the Washington Commanders.
The Tourism Manager of the Year was presented to Chris Suarez, general manager, Bear Chase Brewing Company in Bluemont. The award recognizes a dynamic and effective leader who inspires others to provide exceptional service and in doing so giver back to the industry.
This year’s Back-of-the House Hero award, which recognizes important contributions of hospitality employees who customers may never see, was presented to Greg “Luke” Haley. He is the senior maintenance supervisor at the National Conference Center, where he has worked for 48 years and spurred the campus’ go-to problem-solving mantra: “Ask Luke.”
The Front-of-the-House Hero award went to Eduardo Alvarenga, a guest service agent at the Candlewood Suites-Sterling. He was credited with life-saving action after noticing a favorite guest had not been heard from. A check on her room found her unconscious on the floor. After gaining access through the bolted door, he provided aid until the ambulance arrived and she was admitted to the ICU at an area hospital.
Organizers of the US Youth Soccer Eastern Regional Soccer Tournament won the Tourism Event of the Year award. The event was held last June at two county sports parks, bringing 4,600 players and 11,700 attendees, while selling out all available hotel rooms and earning a national economic impact award.
The Town of Leesburg won two awards. One of the town’s most well-established events—Leesburg Flower & Garden Festival—was named the Community Event of the Year. Meanwhile, a new initiative by the town’s Department of Economic Development—the Leesburg Loves Dogs campaign—was named the Tourism Marketing Promotion/PR Campaign of the Year.
Cheri Shields, of Hidden View Bed & Breakfast, was named Loudoun Certified Tourism Ambassador of the Year. She is one of more than 350 industry representatives who have undergone special training to enhance the experience of visitors through their knowledge of local amenities.
Leesburg’s newest hotel, Home2 Suites by Hilton, was named the New Tourism Business of the Year. The management team was recognized for its broad outreach to community organizations and for quicky establishing strong relationships with area wineries, breweries and restaurants.
The Diversity in Travel award spotlights businesses and individuals who demonstrate special actions to enhance the engagement with diverse travelers. The Loudoun Art Tours was selected for its efforts to better serve the deaf and hard of hearing community along with neurodiverse art lovers during its walking tours of public arts attractions in Leesburg.
ment team was recognized for its broad outreach to community organizations and for quicky establishing strong relationships with area wineries, breweries and restaurants.
The Diversity in Travel award spotlights businesses and individuals who demonstrate special actions to enhance the engagement with diverse travelers. The Loudoun Art Tours was selected for its efforts to better serve the deaf and hard of hearing community along with neurodiverse art lovers during its walking tours of public arts attractions in Leesburg.
