EUGENE, OR — On May 22, Travel Lane County hosted hospitality partners from throughout the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region at the annual Visitor Industry Celebration. We are excited to announce the award recipients and share their award videos.
Destination Award
Creswell Bakery (Award Video)
Presented to a business or individual who, through their efforts, have excelled in promoting the community and the Eugene, Cascades & Coast as a visitor destination.
Community Leadership Award
Bev Smith, Executive Director, Kidsports (Award Video)
Presented to a group, business or individual that has significantly contributed to the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region's tourism industry or visitor experience through an advocacy program(s), visitor product(s), or community development.
Sports Leadership Award
Aaron Wasson, Associate Athletic Director, University of Oregon (Award Video)
Presented to a local resident(s) or business that is directly responsible for the confirmation of a sports event, which brings in a significant number of overnight visitors to Lane County.
Convention Leadership Award
Graduate Eugene by Hilton (Award Video)
Presented to a local resident(s) or business that is directly responsible for the confirmation of a meeting or event, which brings in a significant number of overnight visitors to Lane County.
Placemaking Award
City of Florence Public Arts Committee (Award Video)
The Eugene, Cascades & Coast Placemaking Award is presented to a business or organization that supports or creates community-led, equity centered arts and culture efforts that strengthen people's connections to each other or Lane County.
Legacy Award
Jonnie Helfrich, Helfrich McKenzie Rafting (Award Video)
The Legacy Award is presented to a group, business or individual that has significantly contributed to the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region's tourism industry or visitor experience through a lifetime of service.
The hospitality industry plays a vital role in the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region, employing 1 in 9 workers and creating memorable Oregon experiences for more than 5 million visitors each year. These visitors generate over $1 billion in economic impact annually, contributing more than $50 million in state and local taxes—including over $23 million in lodging taxes in fiscal year 2024 alone.
Lodging tax revenues have helped fund major community assets like the Hult Center for the Performing Arts and the Florence Events Center. Today, these funds continue to support key facilities such as the Lane Events Center and County parks, while cities across Lane County invest in local festivals, arts, culture, and more. This impact is something to celebrate.
A heartfelt thank you to our generous Visitor Industry Celebration sponsors—Mereté Hotel Management, Summit Bank, and Turell Group—as well as our gracious hosts at The Shedd Institute for the Arts.
