Chinook Country Tourist Association board president Richard Chevrier presented the Outstanding Visitor Information Services Award to Pat Ness of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.
Pat Ness of Fort Macleod was honoured Thursday for her outstanding work at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.
Ness received the award for Outstanding Visitor Information Services from Chinook Country Tourist Association.
“The winner . . . is always upbeat and willing to help,” the nomination said of Ness, who works at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. “She is a very positive person and that shows in how she performs.”
“She knows what is going on and provides guests with all the information they need for the local attractions and the region.”
Chinook Country Tourist Association presented its Southwest Service and Tourism awards at Yates Memorial Centre in Lethbridge.
The awards recognize outstanding customer experiences in the region as well as outstanding businesses that enhance the awareness of southwest Alberta as a destination.
“We are so proud of all the nominees and winners,” Chinook Country Tourist Association board president Richard Chevrier said. “Without their hard work and effort tourism in southwest Alberta would not be as vibrant as it is.”
“Although you may not recognize it, let me assure you that not only are the services of these hard workers essential to the livelihood of our growing population but the fashion in which they deliver them is unrivaled through the rest of Canada.”
Local nominees included Quinton Crowshoe, Jessica Glombick, Shawna Goodstriker, Sue LaMarche, Conrad Little Leaf, Dale MacEvoy, Bob Milton, Clayton Provost, Adele Small Legs, Sharon Spear Chief, Carrie Yellow Horn, Karen Yoos and Carly Bastien of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Cafe and Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump drumming and dancing.
Thijs Holwerda and Cafe Orange and The Fort — Museum of the North West Mounted Police were also nominated.
Other winners of the Southwest Service and Tourism Awards are:
Outstanding In Accommodation Service — Jim Swanton, Paradise Canyon.
Outstanding In Adventure Tourism — Randy & Ginny Donahue, Sierra West Cabins and Ranch Vacations.
Outstanding Attractions Service — Colin Weir, Alberta Birds of Prey Centre.
Outstanding Events and Conferences — Chris Meilleur, Southern Alberta Food and Beverage Expo.
Outstanding Food and Beverage Service — Fenny Harpell, Taber Heritage Inn Hotel and Convention Centre.
Outstanding Retail Service — Carol Robbins, Welch’s Chocolate Shop.
Outstanding Health and Wellness Service — Steve Mundell, Alpenland Ski and Sports.
Outstanding Home and Trade Service — Ken Menzies, KB Heating and Air Conditioning.
Outstanding In Media — Brooksie, Country 95.
Outstanding in Sports and Recreation — Linda Soenen, Park Lake Paintball.
Tourism Champion — Downtown Lethbridge BRZ.
Outstanding Travel and Transportation — Holly McLean, Red Arrow.
Volunteer Champion — Kinsmen Club of Coaldale.
Accommodation of the Year — Country Encounters Hospitality Inc.
Festival/Event of the Year — Love and Records.
Municipality of the Year — Town of Nanton.
Restaurant of the Year — Wieners of Waterton.
Chinook Country Tourist Association markets Lethbridge and Southwest Alberta as a tourist destination, representing stakeholders in the region through services such as Web site presence, print publications, visitor information services, and an on-line reservation system.
