Northwest Tennessee Tourism to Hold Awards Celebration

HUNTINGDON — Northwest Tennessee Tourism is hosting its first-ever Cornerstone Awards at the Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center on April 3, 6 p.m. Individual tickets are $25.

Entertainment will be provided by Leslie and Brooke Cooper of 24/7 Band, and Courtney Echols and Suzanne Harper of Extra Credit Solutions.

This event celebrates excellence in tourism across Benton, Carroll, Crockett, Dyer, Gibson, Henry, Lake, Obion, and Weakley counties, recognizing individuals, businesses, organizations, and other entities that contribute to making Northwest Tennessee a top destination.

“The Dixie is thrilled to be the venue for the Cornerstone Awards, and we look forward to celebrating the very best of Northwest Tennessee!” said Angela DeMaris, Executive Director of The Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center. “This evening will be filled with quality entertainment and networking opportunities for tourism professionals alike—you don’t want to miss it!”

Attendees will enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres served from multiple local eateries, live music from Leslie and Brooke Cooper of 24 Seven, and an energetic program hosted by Suzanne Harper and Courtney Echols of Extra Credit Team Solutions. Based in Martin, TN, Extra Credit Team Solutions is a leadership and teamwork consulting company founded by two former coworkers turned best friends. Known for their flash, flair, hot pink vibes, and love of bubbles, Suzanne and Courtney bring energy and excitement to every team they work with.

Award Categories
The Cornerstone Tourism Awards will recognize outstanding contributions in three key categories:

Experience Awards — Honoring top businesses in lodging, dining, shopping, attractions, events/festivals, and venues.

Individual Awards — Celebrating dedicated professionals and volunteers in tourism, including special Volunteer and Emerging Excellence Awards.

Partner Awards — Recognizing outstanding Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) and tourism partners that actively support and promote the industry.

Finalists are:
Attractions — Lavender Kisses Farms, Southland Safari Cabins and Guided Tours, White Squirrel Winery and Vineyard.

Dining — Blake’s at Southern Milling, Boyette’s Dining Room, Oaklawn Southern Dining.

Events/Festival — Old Time Bluegrass and Fiddler’s Jamboree, Tennessee Soybean Festival, and West Tennessee Strawberry Festival.

Lodging — Nathan Bedford Forrest Cabins, Sandy Creek Farms, Southern Safari Cabins.

Venue — Crown Winery, Discovery Park, The Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center.

Shopping — My Favorite Things, Sugar and Spice Ladies Clothing, The Chocolate Bunny.

Individuals Lodging — Pulani Lani Hodge - Sleep Inn Union City, Christa Hopper - Sleep Inn, Lyne Sands - Magnolia Manor and Chapel.

Individual Shopping — Sharon Maloan - Sugar and Spice, Taylor Griffin and Susie Pratt - Ivy Corner Gifts, Mary Beth Puckett - My Favorite Things.

Individual Attractions — Michael Avery - Southland Safari, Jessica Duncan - Lily’s Garden, Bill Sandersion - White Squirrel.

Individual Dining — Drew Beeler - Hometown Hangout, Alan Laderman - Sammie’s and The Grind, Blake Stoker - Blake’s at Southern Milling.

Individual Volunteer Stars — Zach Marbrey, Alicia Pinto, Rick Revel.

Individual Emerging Excellence — Drew Beeler, Caroline Partin, and Clint Weaver.

Champion DMO — Dyersburg Chamber, Martin Business Association, Obion County Chamber.

Champion Partners — Caroline Partin - Discover Reelfoot; Brianna Roser - Dyersburg/Dyer County Chamber; Libby Wickershaw - Greater Gibson County Chamber.

For more information, visit nwtourism.com.