Since 1986, the Finger Lakes Visitors Connection has hosted a biannual awards ceremony to highlight the outstanding marketing efforts and hospitality services of Ontario County's tourism industry. Many tourism professionals, frontline service people, and creative organizations have been recognized.
In 2006, the awards presentation took on several new twists. First of all, the awards are now named the Tourism Legacy Awards. This term was chosen as we believe our industry is leaving a legacy through our economic contributions, quality of life enhancements, and preservation efforts. Our community, who touch millions each year, also pass on our reputation for quality, friendly service.
Our new format also includes Signature Award winners. In the past, we have focused internally on our industry and its marketing accomplishments. The Signature Awards recognize that tourism is a holistic part of the community - and the community with us. The Signature Awards celebrate extraordinary contributions to our industry.
Finally, our Legacy Award is an original piece of glass art - symbolic of the assets of tourism in the Finger Lakes - water, vision, waves, light, stability, strength anf color. These are the defining features that Naples artist, Peter Secrest interprets in our Tourism Legacy Award.
Peter Secrest has been working glass for more than 25 years. Since 1987, he has worked from his studio on Powell Hill Road in Naples, NY. Peter comes from a family of craftsmen who have found the Finger Lakes to be inspirational in their work. He specializes in "Murrini Vases" where cross sections of decorative canes are fused and blown to create the work of art.
Peter's work is sold locally at quality shops such as Artizann's
in Naples - and in art galleries nationally and internationally.
Please enjoy the video below of th eMaking of the Finger Lakes
Tourism Legacy Award.
