MEDIA CONTACT - Wisconsin Department of Tourism

MEDIA CONTACT:
Danielle Johnson, Wisconsin Department of Tourism
Phone: 608-266-0458
Cell: 608-332-4551
Email: djohnson@travelwisconsin.com
Lisa Marshall, Wisconsin Department of Tourism
Phone: 608-267-3773
Cell: 608-445-0267
Email: lmarshall@TravelWisconsin.com
Media Room: http://media.travelwisconsin.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GOVERNOR WALKER HONORS 5 FROM TOURISM INDUSTRY FOR EXCELLENCE
Tourism conference wraps up with awards ceremony
MADISON, Wis. (March 19, 2013) – A Wisconsin hospitality legend with more than 50 years of
service to the industry; a city committed to sustainable practices; a mobile travel center in a full-sized
semi trailer; a national events recruiter; and the only all-canvas arts venue in the nation were honored
tonight as Governor Scott Walker presented the Governor’s Tourism Awards during the closing dinner
at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Madison.
“Wisconsin’s scenic beauty and iconic attractions set the stage for tourism in the state, but it’s the
people in the hospitality industry that are the driving force behind travelers returning here year after
year, " said Governor Walker. “Our five honorees consistently deliver great memories that keep
people coming back to Wisconsin and our state’s tourism economy growing.”
Sponsored by the Governor’s Council on Tourism, the Governor’s Tourism Awards recognize
individuals and businesses for their commitment to excellence, achievements, dedication, and
leadership that have resulted in a significant impact to Wisconsin’s travel and hospitality industry.
“This year we had a total of 42 nominations, a record for these awards, which shows just how our
tourism industry continues to raise the bar and strive for excellence,” said Tourism Secretary
Stephanie Klett. “Our five honorees should be truly proud to be selected from a pool of such
outstanding talent in our industry.”
The five recipients are as follows:
• Legacy Award – Stephen H. Marcus, Chairman, The Marcus Corporation
Marcus began his leadership role in Wisconsin’s tourism industry when he joined his family
company 50 years ago. Today, Marcus Hotels & Resorts owns and/or manages 20 properties
in 11 states, employing nearly 3,000 associates in the state of Wisconsin and 2,000 in the
greater Milwaukee area alone. These multimillion-dollar investments, and ongoing
expenditures to maintain and enhance them, have helped bring conventions and tourists to
Milwaukee, provide restaurant and nightlife options, support other local businesses and

provide employment for thousands. Marcus has been an important leader in the state, serving
on a number of boards and committees to help guide improvement for his community and
Wisconsin.
• Rising Star Award – Kari Dawson, Special Events Director, Real Racine
Dawson’s enthusiasm and hardworking, friendly personality has led to big success in the two
and a half years she’s been with Real Racine. Dawson successfully hosted “The Color Run,”
which is returning to Racine for a second year, the smallest city on the tour. In addition, she
secured "The Biggest Loser Run/Walk" in downtown Racine in 2012, which is also returning in
2013. Following that success, NBC flew her to Long Beach, Calif., where she produced a 5k
run for the TV series “The Biggest Loser.” In 2012, Real Racine’s events brought more than
20,000 visitors to the Racine area and generated about $3 million in economic impact.
• Stewardship Award – City of Platteville
With strong ties to agriculture and outdoor recreation, the entire community of Platteville is
committed to and engaged in sustainability efforts. The Platteville Area Chamber of Commerce
operates a Travel Green Wisconsin (TGW) certified Travel Wisconsin Welcome Center. In
addition, “My Community, My Vision” was created to support city buildings and address energy
conservation. The Platteville Main Street Program created a Sustainability Committee, adding
recycle bins to the downtown area. Platteville and Faherty, Inc. also offers a twice-yearly citywide
clean up, a large “freecycle” event to keep discarded material out of the landfill. Platteville
is proud to promote the fact it has clean air, clean water and many practices in place that pay
homage to its commitment to sustainability.
• Service Excellence Award – Greg Vreeland, Mobile Travel Information Center
In an effort to raise the profile of Northwest Wisconsin in an efficient and eye-catching way,
Vreeland and area leaders custom-designed and built a Mobile Travel Information Center
(MoTIC) in a full-sized semi trailer and set out to attend trade and sports shows across the
Midwest. The MoTIC hit the road for the first time in January 2013 and has 10 scheduled
shows through March, with more anticipated for the rest of the year. The first show in
Davenport, Iowa was very successful, with more than 7,000 people exploring the MoTIC over
three days. There are also two information desks on board staffed with people ready to
personally answer questions and hand out area travel guides.
• The Arts, Culture and Heritage Award – Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua
Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua is truly unique to Wisconsin and the nation, as it is the only
all-canvas, continually operating performing arts venue in the country. The summer concert
season brings 30,000 people to the tent for Big Top’s original performances, which are as
educational as they are entertaining and remind us why Wisconsin is an amazing place to live
and visit. Big Top turns 27 years old this year, and has presented more than 1,600
performances and entertained more than half a million people. As a Wisconsin original and
amazing treasure, Big Top has earned its title as "The Carnegie Hall of Tent Shows."
More information about the Governor’s Tourism Awards is available on www.wigcot.org.
The mission of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism is to market the state as the Midwest’s premier
travel destination for fun. By executing industry-leading marketing programs, providing reliable travel
information and establishing strategic partnerships, we will play a significant role in delivering
exceptional customer service and generating greater economic impact and jobs for Wisconsin. The
portal for traveler information can be found at: www.travelwisconsin.com.

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