Nov. 2, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Matt Turner
304-558-2288, ext. 341
mturner@wvtourism.com

Longtime Oglebay leader receives state’s greatest tourism recognition
Whitewater pioneer also named posthumous winner of Lifetime Achievement Award

Print-quality photographs of Gov. Manchin and winners

1996-2005 award winners

MORGANTOWN – Randy Worls, longtime executive director of Oglebay Resort in Wheeling and current president of the Oglebay Foundation, received the Oshel Craigo Lifetime Achievement Award today during the Governor’s Conference on Tourism at the Radisson Waterfront Hotel.

Worls has dedicated more than 50 years to the oversight and development of the resort, which is considered among the finest municipal parks in the country and one of West Virginia’s greatest tourism attractions, said Scott Rotruck, chairman of the West Virginia Tourism Commission.

“Randy is the epitome of excellence in West Virginia’s tourism industry,” Rotruck said. “There are few people in the tourism industry who have the dedication to their product that Randy does. The growth and quality that he has overseen at Oglebay is remarkable. He truly sets the standard for all of us.”

Jon Dragan, who started West Virginia’s first whitewater rafting company in the 1960s, posthumously received the Oshel Craigo Lifetime Achievement Award today.

Dragan opened Wildwater Expeditions Unlimited in the New River Gorge with his wife and brothers in 1968. His business, which began out of a small cabin in Thurmond, kicked off a tourist industry that today boasts 30 licensed outfitters that take more than 200,000 rafters down West Virginia’s rivers each year. Dragan died of a stroke at age 62 last February.

“In 1968, there might not have been too many people who called Jon’s plan a vision for West Virginia’s future,” said Betty Carver, commissioner of tourism. ”More than 30 years later, I think he would be proud to know that the state’s tourism industry members recognize him not only as a pioneer in the paddling industry but as a strong symbol of the power of entrepreneurship and vision.”

The award is the highest honor given by the West Virginia Tourism Commission and honors individuals whose support for the tourism industry over many years has helped the industry to grow and establish itself as an important economic development tool for West Virginia. Persons nominated for this award must demonstrate continued and long-term leadership, benevolence or contributions to the growth and success of the entire state’s tourism industry.

Beverly Wellman of Bluefield was named Tourism Professional of the Year. Wellman is executive director of the Mercer County Convention and Visitors Bureau and president of the state’s association of CVBs. During her 20-year tenure leading the tourism industry in Mercer County, she has promoted the concept of regionalism, seen the development of new hotels and a conference center and helped to package the area and state as a destination to tourists.

The award recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution that enriches West Virginia’s tourism industry through outstanding job performance, leadership in the tourism industry or development and improvement of tourism facilities and activities.

The awards are part of Stars of the Industry program that each year recognizes the best in West Virginia tourism promotion, growth and media coverage. Additional Stars of the Industry categories and first place winners were announced this afternoon.

INDUSTRY AWARDS

The Mountaineer Award – West Virginia State Parks and Forests “Through Your Lens” photo contest. Recognizes innovative marketing that uses the media to gain attention for an event or destination with limited resources.

The Spirit of West Virginia Award – Main Street Morgantown’s historic audio walking tour. Recognizes community efforts that promote tourism development that enhances community pride while preserving the state’s heritage and beauty.

The Mountain State Award – West Virginia State Fair. Recognizes an event or facility that stands above the rest for excellence in programming, distinctiveness and impact on the state’s economy or image.

West Virginia Community Tourism Development Award – Hatfield-McCoy Regional Recreation Authority. Presented to a community or organization that has enhanced its local resources through cooperative, imaginative and innovative development efforts.

Tourism Professional of the Year – Beverly Wellman

Oshel Craigo Lifetime Achievement Award - Randy Worls, Jon Dragan (posthumous)

MEDIA AWARDS

MEDIA AWARDS – EDITORIAL

Best Print Article
1. Winfield Ross: “An Island Paradise: The Blennerhassett Mansion,” Early American Life
2. Elizabeth Barbour: “Destination Lewisburg, a Quiet Jewel,” Pinnacle Living
3. Cara Ellen Modisett: “A Stop-off for the Rugged,” Blue Ridge Country

Best Print Photography or Layout
1. Stephen J. Shaluta: Pocahontas County Travel Guide
2. Julie Perrine: “From the Ground Up,” Clarksburg Exponent-Telegram
3. Greenbrier County CVB: Greenbrier County Official Visitors Guide
Honorable mention: Jeff Pullin: “The Colors of Autumn,” The State Journal

Best Web/Internet/E-Magazine Writing
1. Thomas and Deborah Fletcher: “West Virginia Wild Water,” www.proseandphotos.com
2. Carla Rupp: “Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting Event,” www.offbeattravel.com
3. Thomas Fletcher: “Spring in the Mountain Park,” www.proseandphotos.com

Best Broadcast
1. Brad Rice: “Traveling West Virginia – Whitewater,” WCHS TV-8
2. Mike Benson: “Berkeley Springs Water Tasting,” Game Show Network
3. Brad Jones: “Two-wheel Tuesday,” Chet Burks Productions

MEDIA AWARDS – ADVERTISING

Best Print Advertising
1. Todd Markle of the Hatfield-McCoy Trails: “This Is How We Do Business Casual,” Various publications
2. Arnout Hyde, Jr., et al: “Berkeley Springs: The Country’s First Spa,” Grapevine
3. None awarded.

Best Collateral Piece
1. Leah Stein: “Get Wet, Get Wild”
2. Morgantown Printing & Binding: “Mountain State Forest Festival”
3. None awarded

Best Web Site
1. Mountwood Park, www.mountwoodpark.org
2. Trails Heaven (Hatfield-McCoy Trails), www.trailsheaven.com
3. Pocahontas County Convention and Visitors Bureau, www.pocahontascountywv.com
Honorable mention: Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Best Overall Advertising Campaign
1. Stonewall Group: Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau
2. None awarded
3. None awarded

The media awards were judged by Prof. Nerissa Young, Dr. Kevin Williams and Catherine Daniel from Shepherd University’s Department of Mass Communications. The industry awards were judged by the Marketing and Communications staff of the Greater Pittsburgh Convention and Visitors Bureau.

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