The Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA) was recently presented the “Shining Example” Award for Regional Organization of the Year by the Southeast Tourism Society (STS). The Shining Example Awards recognize outstanding contributions to the advancement of tourism in the Southeastern states. The 2008 Shining Example Awards program was part of the 25th annual fall meeting of STS held at the Peabody Little Rock Hotel in Little Rock, Ark.
Tourism expenditures in 2007 for the 16 northernmost counties of Alabama increased 13% over 2006 with nine of the 16 counties of the North Alabama region producing double digit growth. AMLA developed and launched Alabama’s only wine trail, “A Taste of Elegance” earlier this year, and has been instrumental in attracting sporting events and sports-related tournaments to North Alabama.
“It is a humbling experience to be honored by the Southeast Tourism Society as the regional tourism organization of the year,” said Dana Lee Jennings, president and CEO of AMLA. For twenty-five years, STS has been the south’s leading tourism organization. For AMLA to win the Shining Example Award, credit must be given to the hard work put forth by the members of AMLA including a special thank you to Chairman of the Board Tami Reist, the Executive Committee, and Board of Directors for their leadership, support and guidance.” www.alabamamountainlakes.org
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