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Charles Ryan Receives Top Honors at Tourism Conference

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Charles Ryan, the founder and vice-chairman of Charles Ryan Associates, was awarded the Oshel Craigo Lifetime Achievement Award today at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism at Glade Springs Resort. The award recognizes Ryan’s exemplary service to the state’s tourism industry.

Ryan began his career in broadcast news, branching out into advertising, marketing and public relations in 1974 when he founded Charles Ryan Associates, a company that today is among the oldest and most successful integrated marketing firms in the region. For more than three decades, Ryan has designed marketing strategies and campaigns that create a competitive advantage for his clients, including several Fortune 500 companies.

The lifetime achievement 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 become 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.

“Charles Ryan’s contributions to the state’s tourism industry are unparalleled, and this recognition is highly deserved,” Tourism Commission Betty Carver said.

Ted Arneault, president and CEO of Mountaineer Racetrack, was presented the Tourism Professional of the Year award. Arneault became a consultant to the racetrack in 1992, and since then has helped turn it into a financial success increasing sales an average of 43 percent within five years. He also is responsible for initiating expansion projects for a new hotel and a spa and fitness center.

The awards are part of the 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 – Carnegie Hall: Taste of our Town. Recognizes innovative marketing that uses the media to gain attention for an event or destination with limited resources.
The Spirit of West Virginia Award – The Preston County Buckwheat Festival. Recognizes community efforts that promote tourism development that enhances community pride while preserving the state’s heritage and beauty.
The Mountain State Award – Wild, Wonderful MountainFest Motorcycle Rally, Morgantown. Recognizes an event or facility that stands above the rest for excellence in programming, distinctiveness and impact on the state’s economy or image.

MEDIA AWARDS – EDITORIAL

Best Print Article - Debra Huso: Blue Ridge Country Magazine: Autumn Forest, Autumn Skies, Head for West Virginia’s Highlands.
Best Print Photography or Layout - Pocahontas County CVB – Visitor Guide.
Best Broadcast - Brad Rice WCHS-TV /WVAH-TV– Traveling WV.

MEDIA AWARDS – ADVERTISING

Best Overall Advertising Campaign - Snowshoe Mountain – Escape to Somewhere.
Most Innovative Marketing Campaign - Martinsburg Berkeley County CVB
Best Web/Internet/E-Magazine Article - Frank DeMarco with Graceland Inn at Davis & Elkins College for GracelandInn.com

For more information about the Tourism awards, visit www.wvtourism.com .

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