Northeast Tennessee Tourism Honors Top Performers During 25th Annual Pinnacle Awards

KINGSPORT, Tenn. (June 10, 2022) - The Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association honored the tourism industry’s top accomplishments, businesses and individuals Thursday, June 9 during the sold out 25^th Annual Pinnacle Awards at Bristol Motor Speedway hosted by Explore Bristol.

Presented by Bristol Motor Speedway and produced in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Tennessee Commissioner of Tourist Development Mark Ezell was on hand to deliver the keynote address as top performers who contribute to tourist related community and economic development in the Northeast Tennessee region were honored. The organization saw nearly 70 nominations in categories for marketing, advertising, events, virtual, attractions, individual achievement, and supporting business awards.

Ranked by a panel of judges within the tourism industry across the United States, 37 Pinnacle Awards were given to the top nomination in each category. 

The event also hosted graduates of the Hospitality & Tourism Certificate program in partnership between East Tennessee State University and Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association.

Tourism in Northeast Tennessee

Tourism is the second largest economic driver in Tennessee. And in a non-pandemic year, Northeast Tennessee generates more than $911 million in direct tourist spending, more than $194 million in payroll while employing nearly 7,000 people, and generating more than $27 million in local sales tax receipts annually.

About the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association

The Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association was named the state’s 2019 Destination Marketing Organization of the Year, with a mission to serve as a catalyst to enhance regional economic and community growth through the promotion and development of tourism. The organization was chartered in 1977, as a non-profit tourism promotion and development agency that serves Carter, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington counties in Tennessee, as well as portions of Southwest Virginia and Eastern Tennessee.

Pinnacle Awards were given to the following projects, events and individuals in both small and large budget categories. 

Attraction of the Year
50 Years of Bays Mountain Park

Event of the Year
20th Anniversary of Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion

Event of the Year
Fall Fest at Bays Mountain Park

Best New Event
Southern Sanctuaries
Greene County Partnership

Best New Event
Christmas in the Park
Visit Kingsport and City of Kingsport

Best Sports Event
The Show, NAIA Basketball Showcase
Visit Kingsport

Best Virtual Event
Kingsport Songwriters Week
Visit Kingsport
Best Virtual Event
Masterpiece Reveal
McKinney Center

Best Virtual Series
Science Saturdays
Hands On! Discovery Center

Roll With It

Wing Fling Week
Visit Kingsport

Roll With It
McKinney Center Market Series

Best Marketing Campaign
Historic Jonesborough

Best Public Relations Campaign
Candyland Christmas

Visit Johnson City

Best Public Relations Campaign
I Dig Greeneville!
Greene County Partnership

Brochure or Guide
101+ Things to Do (Fall/Winter)
Six Rivers Media

Brochure or Guide

Johnson City Outdoor Guide
Visit Johnson City

Rack Card
Wild-A-Bout Walk-A-Bout Scavenger Hunt

Connect Downtown Johnson City

Print Ad
Downtown to Mountains
Visit Johnson City

Commercial
Racks by the Tracks

Visit Kingsport

Long Video
StoryTown Season Reveal
McKinney Center

Long Video
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion: Celebrating 20 Years in 2021

Short Video
It's A Candy Cane Christmas in Bristol
Explore Bristol

Short Video
Remote Work
Visit Johnson City

Social Media Campaign
It’s a Candy Cane Christmas in Bristol
Explore Bristol

Social Media Campaign
Wing Fling Week

Visit Kingsport

Agency of the Year
Victory Lap Media
Nominated by Birthplace of Country Music

Vendor of the Year
The Goose Chase
Nominated by Visit Johnson City

Partner of the Year
Heritage Alliance
Nominated by Jonesborough Tourism Dept.

Adventure Tourism
USA Raft Adventure Resort

Adventure Tourism Leader of the Year
Connie Deegan
Nominated by Visit Johnson City

Rising Star
Keith Maultbay
Nominated by Hands On! Discovery Center

Frontline Employee of the Year
Wayne Horton

Nominated by General Morgan Inn

Volunteers of the Year
Brenda and David Fox

Nominated by City of Kingsport

Hospitality Leader of the Year
Jeff Fleming
Nominated by Visit Kingsport

Lifetime Achievement

Leah Ross
Nominated by Birthplace of Country Music