During today’s Greater Knoxville Tourism Awards & Scholarship Luncheon, sponsored by Knoxville Tourism Alliance (KTA), the University of Tennessee (UT) Tourism Institute and the Knoxville Tourism & Sports Corporation (KTSC), one downtown Knoxville representative was recognized for his continued support of Knoxville tourism.

John Craig, president of the board of directors of the Market Square District Association, won the KTSC-sponsored Tourism Impact Award (TIA) for his involvement with the Market Square District and downtown Knoxville’s tourism efforts.

Other PAULY award (named after local tourism leader Paul Sherbakoff and sponsored by the UT Tourism Institute) winners at the Knoxville Tourism Awards & Scholarship Luncheon are as follows:

• Community Service Award – Copper Cellar Restaurants (Chesapeake’s)

• Friendliest Face Award – Kate Jackson (Knoxville Convention Center)

• Volunteer of the Year – Lisa Brickley (Team Knoxville Volunteer Program)

• Museum/Attraction of the Year – Tennessee Shines (AC Entertainment, WDVX-FM, Knoxville Americana Music Foundation)

• Service/Supplier of the Year – SYSCO Knoxville

• Service/Supplier Employee of the Year – Jeff Sanders (REM Company)

• Restaurant Employee of the Year – Lisa Myers (Crowne Plaza Hotel)

• Lodging Employee of the Year – Bonnie May (Holiday Inn Cedar Bluff)

• Restaurant General Manager of the Year – Nancy, Cheryl & David (Siblings – Ye Olde Steak House)

• Lodging General Manager of the Year – Scott Bullock (Hilton Knoxville Hotel)

Three scholarships, sponsored by the KTA, were awarded to one student from the University of Tennessee (Ashley Shalhoup) and two students from Pellissippi State Technical Community College (Krista Seivers and Amber Morgan), all of whom are currently studying the hospitality/tourism industry.

Speakers included Bob Miller, spokesperson for the 75th Anniversary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, State of Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Assistant Commissioner, Phyllis Qualls-Brooks and Gloria Ray, KTSC President & CEO.

The KTA is a non-profit membership organization of the tourism and hospitality industry. The purpose of the KTA is to enhance the economic, legislative, and social interests of its membership. Its mission is to promote and protect the tourism industry in Knoxville.