PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


May 7, 2021


CVB Contact: Sheila Snow
Phone: 318.387.5691
E-mail: ssnow@monroe-westmonroe.org



DISCOVER MONROE-WEST MONROE TOURISM INDUSTRY LUNCHEON AWARD WINNERS

Monroe, LA – Discover Monroe-West Monroe hosted their annual Tourism Industry Luncheon on
May 7 at Bayou Point on the campus of the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser was the guest speaker at the event. Awards were given to individuals and organizations that help generate tourism and economic impact in the Ouachita Parish area.

Award winners are as follows:


Association Meeting Planner Award – Troy Gulotta with the National
Junior Limousin & Congress Jr. Show


Sports Event Organizer of the Year – Frank Griffin & Joey Odom with
the United State Specialty Sports Association


Louisiana State Games Award – Dr. Raj Bhandari & Mark Thompson
with the Warhawk Open Racquetball Tournament


Sports Volunteer Service Award – Twin City Marathon Planning
Committee


Hotel Service Award – Keltric Williams with Home2 Suites


Hospitality Service Award – Doran Smith with Parish Restaurant


Attraction Partner Award – Melissa Saye with the Northeast Louisiana
Children’s Museum


Restaurant Partner – Chef Cory Bahr with Parish Restaurant and
Standard Coffee Company


Holiday Spirit Award – Ben and Amy Hanson with Candy Cane Lane


Julia Trichell Award – Sammy Gordy


“Through this difficult year for the tourism industry, this event offered an opportunity to
recognize those that have shown strong leadership and set an example for others. We are
pleased to honor these award recipients and recognize their dedication and efforts in the
Monroe-West Monroe tourism industry.” Alana Cooper, Discover Monroe-West Monroe
President/CEO said.

For more information, contact Sheila Snow at 318.387.5691 or ssnow@monroe-westmonore.org


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Discover Monroe-West Monroe promotes Ouachita Parish as a destination for leisure travel,
conventions, meetings, and sporting events creating a positive economic impact for our local community through increased visitor spending and sales tax collections. For more information about Discover Monroe-West Monroe, visit www.monroe-westmonroe.org.