Richmond Tourism celebrates 40 years
Dec. 11—For the last five years, Richmond Tourism has ranked Top 10 for economic impact in the commonwealth of Kentucky.
"That is saying something for Richmond to be there," said Commissioner of Kentucky Tourism, Mike Mangeot.
This accomplishment, he said, could not have been achieved with out the work of all those associated with Richmond Tourism over the past 40 years.
The department celebrated their 40th "birthday" on Tuesday night with a trip down memory lane, during a banquet hosted at EKU's Center for the Arts.
Friends of tourism, board members, city officials and community members gathered for a dinner, show, speakers and awards ceremony to honor four decades of accomplishments and growth in the department.
One of whom, was Mangeot.
As the special guest speaker for the evening, he shared tourism updates with the audience about Kentucky's tourism and economic impact, and Richmond's involvement.
According to the commissioner, in 2019, the tourism industry in Kentucky was worth $11.8 billion dollars. When COVID-19 struck, the hospitality industry was hit first and the hardest, he said, with a 45% unemployment rate and a 26.5% loss in economic impact.
However, Kentucky and Richmond Tourism are both on the up-and-up with 2021 said to be outpacing 2019 — one of the best years for tourism.
"Thank you to everyone in the community," said Mangeot. "I know the challenges that are there. I know the struggles from a financial standpoint and just being able to get things done. Lori and David would be the first to say, they could never do this without you. Thank you for your commitment, thank you for the opportunity to come and speak."
EKU President David McFaddin told the audience nearly $150 million in spending goes from students into the local community with around 350,000 events generated through the partnership with tourism.
"Tonight's a great example of those (partnerships), and it is truly my privilege tonight to celebrate this big birthday —but most importantly to think about what is next," McFaddin said. "Certainly such a great group of leaders and those who want to make our community the very best it can be, and EKU certainly hopes to serve in any way it can."
Another speaker on Richmond Tourism's special evening of celebration was Richmond Commissioner Mike Brewer who stated he was a "fresh commissioner" when tourism was created in 1981.
"We are celebrating 40 years of a department that has had some of the most distinguished board members tha t I have ever been fortunate to meet. ... This tourism department is number one in Kentucky," Brewer shared.
He thanked Director Lori Tatum and Assistant Director David Jones for the work and accomplishments with only themselves as tourism department staff.
"This group Lori, David, and the board have done so much to put Richmond on the map and I am thankful to be a part of it," Brewer shared. "We have all done our share, but we haven't done near what they have done. Let's work with them, help them, and continue to make this place, Richmond Tourism number one in Kentucky."
Director of Tourism Lori Tate said the evening was one-of-a-kind and went great overall.
"We never have parties for ourself, we are always hosting other people," Tate said. "It was lovely to be with a small group of our people, hoteliers, past staff, board members. It was good to see their faces and give them hugs."
Several awards were given out Tuesday evening in addition to the dinner and speakers. Jimmy Dale and Marilyn Williams were awarded the Friends of Tourism award. David and Kay Jones were awarded the Spirit of Christmas award. Gerald Tate was awarded the Brutus J Clay award. Rita Smart received an award named after her late husband, titled the Richard Smart Innkeeper Award.
