PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 9, 2025

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

DMWM Presented Eight Awards at the 2025 Tourism Industry Awards Banquet

MONROE, La. ― Discover Monroe-West Monroe hosted its 2025 Tourism Industry Awards Banquet at The HUB in Monroe on May 8.

The Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) presented awards in eight different categories. The winners are listed under each category:

* Holiday Spirit Award

- Christmas at Kiroli: Katie McClinton, Suzannah Donald & Brad Calhoun

* Tourism Ambassador of the Year

- 2 Aces on the Go: Caroline Carbrey

- 2 Aces on the Go: Emily Thornhill

* Attraction of the Year

- Chennault Aviation & Military Museum: Nell Calloway, Hollie Boudreaux & Judge Elvis Stout

* Restaurant of the Year

- Restaurant Cotton: Jay Howell, Nick Marchand & Daygan Doyle

* Association Meeting Event of the Year

- Louisiana Educators Rising State Conference: Danielle Barton, Amy Weems and Dr. Heather Kennedy

* Louisiana State Games Award

- Jeri St. Blanc, Recreation Coordinator of Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana

* Tourism Events Excellence Award

- Ike Hamilton Expo Center: Chris Post, Jessica Norcio & Josh Kicklighter

*The Signature Stay Award

- Best Western West Monroe


DMWM presented its accomplishments for 2024 and hosted a panel with local elected officials and tourism industry partners: Ouachita Parish Police Juror Toni Bacon, OPPJ President/Juror and local restaurant owner Shane Smiley, Southern Hospitality Services COO and DMWM Board Member Nash Patel.

The panel discussed tourism in Ouachita Parish and what it means to their respective communities. Find our 2024 Tourism Impact Report here.
Find photos from the 2025 Tourism Industry Awards Banquet on DMWM’s Facebook page.


About Discover Monroe-West Monroe


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 https://www.monroe-westmonroe.org/