Chillicothe tourism leaders honored at 8th annual Pineapple Awards
CHILLICOTHE― Tourism and community leaders were honored on Monday at the annual Pineapple Awards.
The 8th annual Pineapple Awards at the Christopher Conference Center was hosted by the Ross–Chillicothe Convention and Visitors Bureau to honor members of the hospitality and tourism industry. The event also marks the start of National Travel and Tourism week.
Former Pineapple Award winner Dan Ramey of Litter Media emceed the event and explained that pineapples were an early symbol of hospitality.
"[Mike Smith and I] were the first recipients of the Grand Pineapple Award," Ramey said. "At first I thought 'How significant is this?' Now all these years later, it's a significant kind of thing."
Thirty-two people were recognized during the event for their efforts in building and sustaining Chillicothe tourism and five people were given Pineapple Awards.
Aubrey Herrnstein of Herrnstein Auto Group won the Volunteer of the Year Award for her work with the Sand in the Streets event.
An excerpt from Herrnstein's nomination read, "This individual spent many hours over the span of several months working to make the events of success... People from all over the state came to participate in the event and brought along friends and family which benefited many businesses."
Karen Bright from the Scioto Society won the Frontline Associate of the Year Award for "going above and beyond her job description" and achieving record sales in her department. She has worked with the society for over 20 years.
Archaeologist Bret Ruby was awarded the Behind the Scenes Award for over 20 years of work at Hopewell Culture National Historical Park.
An excerpt from Ruby's nomination read, "Although the public may not see the many hours that have been put into his work, it has not gone unnoticed by the staff and organization."
Erica Woodard, manager at the Pourhouse at Machinery Hall, was recognized as Manager of the Year for her positive attitude and quick learning. An excerpt from Woodard's nomination read, "Regardless of the customer or the request, they provide great, thoughtful service with a smile."
David Polk won the Grand Pineapple Award for his work in tourism throughout Ross County, including Tecumseh, serving on multiple board positions and more.
Brandon Smith of Tecumseh Outdoor Drama presented the award to Polk and said he has done excellent work promoting Chillicothe.
Representatives from Senator JD Vance and Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted and Ohio Representative Mark Johnson attended the ceremony to congratulate the winners.
Promotional Assistance Grants were also awarded to several organizations, including:
Buckeye Off-Road Expo - $2,000
Downtown Chillicothe, Sand in the Streets – $2,500
First Capital Brews Cruze – $2,500
Pump House Center for the Arts, Juneteenth – $1,500
Ross County Agricultural Society, Labor Day Music – $3,500
Smash It Demolition Derby, Bash for Cash – $3,000
Southern Ohio Forest Rally – $2,500
The Buck Fifty – $2,500
"We are here to celebrate the success in tourism, not only nationally but right here in Ross County," Ramey said. "It takes everyone in this room together to build and strengthen local tourism."
Megan Becker is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. Call her at 740-349-1106, email her at mbecker@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @BeckerReporting
This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Ross- Chillicothe tourism leaders honored at 8th annual Pineapple Awards
