Annual Meeting
Join us in celebrating the amazing things happening in Thurston County tourism at this year's Annual Meeting. We'll share all the highlights from 2023, and most importantly, we’ll share insights from the new 10-Year Thurston County Destination Master Plan—created and driven by Thurston County stakeholders and community members.
Thursday, September 19, 2024 | 5:00 PM
The Kodiak Room
225 Sussex Ave W, Tenino 98589
Recognizing Thurston County’s Tourism Leaders
Thurston County's tourism industry can only be as successful as the people working behind the scenes planning the events, running the businesses, marketing the area, and of course, making all guests feel welcome and at home here. It's this combined body of work that brings visitors to our area. That said, some individuals truly took hospitality and destination development to the next level in the past 12 months and we want to know about them! Here are this year's nominees and winners (winners in bold):
Boldness in Tourism Award
This individual brought bold, new ideas and innovative ways of attracting visitors to Thurston County in the past 12 months. They took risks and thought "out of the box", resulting in growing enthusiasm about visiting the iconic destinations in Thurston County.
- George Sharp, Thurston EDC
- Christen Greene , Team Tomorrow (for South Sound Block Party)
- Taber Lee, Port of Olympia
- Desiree Freeland, Olympia Downtown Alliance
- Britt Bowman, City of Tumwater
- Line Roy, City of Yelm
- Monique Ossa, Ossa Skinworks
- Patrick and Christina Costelo, Legends Arcade
Excellence In Hospitality Award Nominees
This individual is a frontline worker who put in the hours during the past 12 months, made all guests feel welcome, and typified the attributes of a gracious and knowledgeable host. The result of their efforts creates a visitor who is eager to return and visit Thurston County.
- Janine Phillips, Hampton Inn & Suites, Lacey
- Elise Landry, Chicory
- Christen Greene, Team Tomorrow (for South Sound Block Party)
- Amilia Fosberg, Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar
- Jose Guzman, Olympia Tumwater Foundation
- Christian Skillings, Iron Rabbit and Cynara
Patrick Knutson Tourism Legend Award Nominees
The Patrick Knutson Tourism Legend Award honors an individual who has served in the hospitality industry for 10+ years and either currently resides in or has roots in Thurston County. The award winner exemplified the characteristics of leadership, innovation and stewardship in hospitality over his or her lifetime.
- George Sharp, Thurston EDC
- Eli Sterling, Earthbound Productions
- Patty Belmonte, Hands On Children's Museum
- John Freedman, Olympia Tumwater Foundation
- Christen Greene, Team Tomorrow (for South Sound Block Party)
- Sophia Landis, Sofie's Scoops