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Knoxville history advocate honored for tourism involvement

Today, during a luncheon sponsored by the Knoxville Tourism Alliance (KTA), the University of Tennessee (UT) Tourism Institute and the Knoxville Tourism & Sports Corporation (KTSC), one local supporter of East Tennessee history was recognized for her continued support of Knoxville tourism.


Cherel Henderson, director of the East Tennessee Historical Society, won the KTSC-sponsored Tourism Impact Award (TIA) for her involvement in Knoxville's tourism efforts through creating activities to support the promotion of Knoxville as a friendly destination for conventions and leisure travelers and promoting East Tennessee history.


Henderson has been involved in East Tennessee history efforts for many, many years, including with the opening of the Museum of East Tennessee History and the upcoming opening of the organization's signature exhibit, Voices of the Land: The People of East Tennessee. She is also a strong supporter of Knoxville's trolley and walking tours that highlight the region's historical heritage and has been involved with local and state history efforts on a volunteer basis for more than 30 years.


"Cherel's overwhelmingly positive attitude has brought the East Tennessee Historical Society to where it is today. She has a keen vision of the big picture of tourism for our region and her ‘can-do' attitude has made her a great partner to Knoxville and the KTSC," said Tracy O'Connor, sales manager of the KTSC.


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 - Crowne Plaza, Knoxville


·         Friendliest Face Award - Kim Bittinger, Knoxville Ice Bears


·         Volunteer of the Year - Edie Hummel, Team Knoxville


·         Museum/Attraction of the Year - Knoxville Ice Bears


·         Service/Supplier of the Year - AC Entertainment


·         Museum/Attraction Employee of the Year - Dr. George Schweitzer, East Tennessee Historical Society


·         Service/Supplier Employee of the Year - Dr. Tom Gaddis, Pellissippi State Technical Community College


·         Restaurant Employee of the Year - Shirley Sims, Holiday Inn Select Cedar Bluff


·         Lodging Employee of the Year - Pat Sheckels, Hampton Inn West


·         Restaurant General Manager of the Year - Tammy Dawn, Calhoun's on the River


·         Lodging General Manager of the Year - Stephen Lowe, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Alcoa


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


Speakers included Sam Venable, storyteller, humorist and columnist for the Knoxville News Sentinel and State of Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Susan Whitaker.


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.