Inaugural Cornerstone Tourism Awards Celebrate Excellence

HUNTINGDON — The Northwest Tennessee Tourism Association (NWTTA) hosted its first-ever Cornerstone Tourism Awards on April 3, 2025, at The Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center — an unforgettable evening celebrating the people, businesses, and organizations that make Northwest Tennessee a must-visit destination.

The evening began with The Green Room Social, an exclusive pre-event gathering in the basement of The Dixie. Guests mingled, networked, and enjoyed live music from Leslie & Brooke Cooper of 24 Seven, alongside delicious food from some of the region’s favorite local spots — Hometown Hangout, Mo’s on Main, Mallards Restaurant, and Local Street Cookie Co.

“This night was truly magical,” said Kasey Muench, Executive Director of NWTTA. “We created these awards to celebrate the heart of Northwest Tennessee — our people. The individuals and businesses honored here tonight are the reason visitors fall in love with our region and keep coming back.”

Throughout the evening, hosts Suzanne Harper and Courtney Echols of Extra Credit Team Solutions kept the crowd energized, reminding everyone that tourism is one big team effort — and when small towns and local businesses work together, everybody wins.

2025 Cornerstone Tourism Award Winners

Experiences Category

Cornerstone Champion – Attraction: Southland Safari Cabins & Guided Tours

Cornerstone Champion – Dining: Boyette’s Dining Room

Cornerstone Champion – Event/Festival: West Tennessee Strawberry Festival

Cornerstone Champion – Lodging: Sandy Creek Farms

Cornerstone Champion – Shopping: The Chocolate Bunny

Cornerstone Champion – Venue: Discovery Park of America

Individuals Category

Cornerstone Star – Attraction: Michael Avery, Southland Safari Cabins & Guided Tours

Cornerstone Star – Dining: Alan Laderman, Sammies, The Grind Mac & Cheese Burger Bar, Woodfire Pizza Kitchen

Cornerstone Star – Lodging: Christa Hopper, Sleep Inn / Main Stay Suites, Union City

Cornerstone Star – Shopping: Mary Beth Puckett, My Favorite Things

Cornerstone Volunteer Star: Alicia Pinto

Emerging Excellence Award: Drew Beeler

Partner Category

Star Cornerstone Legacy Award: Marty Marbry, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development

Star Cornerstone Champion – DMO: Dyersburg/Dyer County Chamber of Commerce, Visit Dyer County, Main Street Dyersburg

Star Cornerstone Champion – Partner: Caroline Partin

The evening also featured a surprise presentation of the Star Cornerstone Legacy Award to longtime tourism leader Marty Marbry of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, honoring her 20 years of service to West Tennessee tourism.

The NWTN Cornerstone Tourism Awards were made possible thanks to the generous support of VRL Hotels 2 LLC, Hampton Inn Paris Tenn., L.I. Smith & Associates, Discovery Park of America, and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Industry. Special thanks also to King Print & Design Co. for creating beautiful, custom awards for each winner to treasure.

About NWTTA

The Northwest Tennessee Tourism Association promotes and supports tourism across the nine counties of Northwest Tennessee, connecting communities, businesses, and visitors through collaborative efforts and regional storytelling.