PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 12th, 2023

CVB Contact: Alana Cooper
Phone: 318.387.5691
E-mail: acooper@monroe-westmonroe.org

DISCOVER MONROE-WEST MONROE ANNOUNCES 2023 TOURISM INDUSTRY AWARDS LUNCHEON WINNERS

Monroe-West Monroe, LA – Discover Monroe-West Monroe hosted their annual Tourism Industry Awards Luncheon on Friday, May 12th
at ULM’s Bayou Pointe. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungessor served as the guest speaker.

“We are excited to celebrate the tourism industry and our accomplishments for 2022. Discover Monroe-West Monroe honors those who through their hard work and dedication have grown the economic impact of tourism to our community. Ouachita Parish is growing and developing more reasons for visitors to come and enjoy Northeast Louisiana,” said Alana Cooper, Discover Monroe-West Monroe President/CEO.

Through Discover Monroe-West Monroe’s efforts, an economic impact of over $16 million dollars was reported for 2022, which included 175 sporting events, conventions, & meetings in Ouachita Parish.

Awards were presented to individuals and organizations in the community that helped generate tourism to Ouachita Parish.

Award winners are as follows:

Association Meeting Planner – Sadie Robertson Huff, Stephanie Vander Molen, Elizabeth Mercer, & Emma Brownawell with Live Original

Sports Volunteer Service Award – Gabe Tumey, WOHS Track & Field Head Coach, & Alex Shambro, WOHS Cross-Country & Distance Coach

Louisiana State Games Athlete of the Year – Jayce Wimbish

Sports Event Organizer of the Year – Gene Crain, Chad Cannon, Clay LaBeff, & Thomas Soileau with EORD Recreation

Team MWM MVP Award – Home 2 Suites

Attraction Partner of the Year Award – Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo

Restaurant Partner of the Year Award – JAC’s Craft Smokehouse

Holiday Spirit Award – The Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum

Tourism Ambassador of the Year Award – Peyton Ballew

For more information, contact Discover Monroe-West Monroe at 318-387-5691.

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Discover Monroe-West Monroe promotes Ouachita Parish as a destination for leisure travel, conventions, meetings, and sporting events creating a positive economic impact for our local community through increased visitor spending and sales tax collections. For more information about Discover Monroe-West Monroe, visit www.monroe-westmonroe.org.