2022 Tourism Awards Nominees & Winners
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.
Winner's names are listed in bold text.
Tourism Trailblazer
This individual brought 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”, and the result is growing enthusiasm about visiting the iconic destinations in Thurston County.
Noah Aden - Yelm Cinemas
The Boo-Crew of the Boo-Coda Spooktacular including 2021 Bucoda Mayor Alan Carr and 2022 Bucoda Mayor Steve Purcell
Rebecca Catlett - Washington State Department of Enterprise Services
Steph Cicerello - Capital Mall
Osheea Davis - Heritage Distilling Company
Bernetia Johnson - Love Local Events
Jeff Olive - Airport Golf & Betting Center
Line Roy - Yelm Chamber of Commerce
Excellence In Hospitality
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 again due to their exceptional customer service.
Jo - Starbucks at 340 Cleveland, Tumwater
Khurshida Begum - ASSHO
Lori Bodnar - Great Wolf Lodge
Justin Bourdon - Wild Heart Sipping Vinegars & Sandstone Distillery
Amy Bueno - New Traditions Fair Trade
Connie Bunyer - Mystic Journeys Sailboat Charter
Bill Devore - 507 Taproom and Filling Station
Elyse Harrington - Elyse’s Catering
Shenna Haydon - Hands On Children’s Museum
Vanessa Nelson - Washington Center for the Performing Arts
Cheryl Pearce - Sandstone Café
George Sharp - Thurston County Economic Development Council 2021
Patrick Knutson Tourism Legend
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 should exemplify the characteristics of leadership, innovation and stewardship in hospitality over his or her lifetime.
Michelle Daniel - Washington State Department of Enterprise Services - Capitol Services and Security Services
George Johnson - Rainier City Council, and We Love Rainier Washington Team
Elyse Harrington - Elyse’s Catering
Denise Hibbeln - Prairie Park
Gabi Shephard-Troutman - Gabi’s Cards & Comics
Christian Skillings - Iron Rabbit and Cynara
Don Trosper - Olympia Tumwater Foundation retiree
Ruth Weigelt - Lacey Spring Fun Fair