The Tourism Legacy Awards were presented by the Finger Lakes Visitors Connection at a luncheon held on November 5, 2008 in the new Great Room at Bristol Harbour Resort in Canandaigua. This event is held biannually to honor individuals and organizations within Ontario County who have significant achievements, made significant contributions, or have demonstrated marketing or service excellence in the tourism industry. Six Legacy Awards were presented at the luncheon.
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to watch the video of "The Making of the Tourism Legacy Awards."
This year’s Signature Tourism Award was presented to Dan Fuller, General Manager, Bristol Mountain Winter Resort and Roseland Waterpark for Product Development—Growing Tourism. Fuller was recognized for his vision in growing Bristol Mountain Winter Resort to one of the largest ski destinations in the Mid-Atlantic States, his purchase and rejuvenation of Roseland Waterpark, his community service and his commitment to tourism in Ontario County. Fuller serves on boards and committees in several local organizations such as Canandaigua National Bank, Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce, Canandaigua Lake Watershed, Finger Lakes Community College, Thompson Health and Sonnenberg Gardens.
He was also recognized for his regional and state wide affiliations and accomplishments as well. Scott Brandi, President, of the Ski Areas of New York said, “Dan Fuller is a statewide promoter and advocate of the recreation and tourism industry. His service as Chairman of the NYS Tourism Council as well as his leading role as a member of the Ski Areas of New York (SANY) Board of Directors and SANY Executive and Legislative Committees has provided Dan with the platform to successfully represent us in Albany where he is well-known and respected.”
“Dan’s varied personal and professional contributions to our tourism industry deserve this special recognition. He has been instrumental in establishing a philosophy and culture that supports tourism in the Finger Lakes,” said Valerie Knoblauch, president of the Finger Lakes Visitors Connection.
In addition, the 2008 Tourism Legacy Awards were presented to:
The Springs of Clifton, Clifton Springs, Business of Tourism--Special Achievement for their inspiration in a business grown from the very water that runs through the village and has become a hub of integrative medicine and healing as well as an appealing choice for visitors seeking to engage, indulge and escape. The Springs of Clifton has elevated the quality of just what “relaxation and rejuvenation” is all about.
Jim Ingalls, Tour Guide, Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park, Canandaigua, Exceptional People—Frontline Staff for his volunteer service at Sonnenberg for over seven years as a garden tour guide and tram driver. His interactions with area school districts and especially when conducting children’s group tours make history fun.
Rick Williams, Advocacy Chair, Genesee Regional Off-Road Cycles, Rochester, Exceptional People—Behind the Scenes for his many hours of volunteer service on trail maintenance and enhancements at Dryer Rd Park in Victor and Ontario County Park in Bristol, and “behind the scenes” work on events including the Black Diamond Duathlon, Victor Fat Tire Festival and the Highlander Tour.
Jeff Henderson, Race Director, Musselman Triathlon, Geneva, Business of Tourism—Economic Development for his leadership of the Musselman Triathlon which has grown from 400 participants to over 1600 participants in five years and become a destination race for triathletes across the United States. As a result of the Musselman event, Geneva has been selected to host an International Triathlon Union Pan-American Cup Race alongside cities like San Francisco, Des Moines, Portland and Oklahoma City. See video below.
East Bloomfield History Days Committee, Michele Fagan, Chair, E. Bloomfield, Exceptional People—Partnerships for bringing together community businesses and residents in partnership working countless hours in the planning, preparation and holding an historic 3-day event celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the Village.
Here is a video of the presentation of the Legacy Award going to Jeff Henderson's parents, as Jeff was out of town at the time. All recipients received a hand-crafted blue glass statuette made by artist, Peter Secrest of Naples.
Finger Lakes Visitors Connection is the official tourism promotion agency for Ontario County, located at 25 Gorham Street in Canandaigua, NY. Its mission is to create visitorship and economic vitality for Ontario County by marketing its tourism assets and positioning the area as a premier leisure and meetings destination.
