Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) rolled out a new look for its Spirit of Cincinnati USA Awards program, opening the call for 2014 entries.
The awards are open to the entire Cincinnati USA region—from residents and visitors to co-workers and CEOs— and nominations are now being accepted for individuals and businesses.
Spirit Awards recognize Cincinnati’s influencers and ambassadors who help elevate the destination in their everyday work.
“Evolving the look of the Spirit Awards reflects the importance of Cincinnati USA’s travel and tourism industry,” said Dan Lincoln, president and CEO, CVB. “As our destination continues to experience an exciting revitalization, there is no better time to renew the energy of the Spirit Awards program.”
In order to expand the program’s recognition of the importance of the hospitality industry on the region, nominations will now be accepted on a year-round basis. To better capture the impressions of Cincinnati visitors, a nominations box will be placed in the Visitors’ Center at Fountain Square. The CVB’s online nomination form is now open for entries year-round at CincyUSA.com/Spirit.
Spirit Awards’ new logo and branding were designed to better connect with the high-profile nature of Cincinnati’s travel and tourism industry and increase awareness of the Awards program on a regional level.
“We welcome 94,000 visitors to our region each year, and they spend more than $4.1 billion while visiting, so there’s no question that this industry is helping to shape the future of the region,” added Lincoln. “We plan to continue to recognize the people and businesses making positive changes each year through the Spirit Awards.”
New award categories have recently been added to the Spirit Awards Program to better reflect Cincinnati’s changing landscape, including the Horace Sudduth Progressive Business Award, presented for the first time at the CVB’s 2014 Annual Meeting. The Horseshoe Casino, along with General Manager Kevin Kline, was one of the first recipients to be recognized for exemplary practice of supplier diversity and workplace inclusion.
“Workplace diversity is essential to Cincinnati’s continued growth as a top-tier destination,” said Kline. “Receiving the Horace Sudduth Progressive Business Award was an incredible honor for us, as supplier diversity and inclusion are key tenets of our everyday business decisions at Horseshoe. We are proud to partner with the CVB, as they share our dedication to incorporating diversity as a regular part of their business operations.”
The Spirit Awards have recognized influencers and advocates for the Cincinnati USA hospitality industry for more than 30 years. Past winners include prominent local figures, such as Erich Kunzel, Bootsy Collins, and former Mayor Mark Mallory as well as the Cincinnati Reds’ honorary batboy Teddy Kremer in 2013.
Nominations can be submitted by managers, co-workers, customers, or any individuals impacted by the hospitality industry. Qualified nominees will have helped Cincinnati USA forge ahead by bringing in new business, earning national acclaim, and ushering in progress. The 2014 Spirit Award winners will be recognized at the CVB’s Annual Meeting in spring 2015.
Nominations for the 2014 Spirit Awards are now open at CincyUSA.com/Spirit for all six categories:
• Champion Award for Convention/Meeting Sales
• Wendell P. Dabney Award for Diversity
• Pinnacle Award for Outstanding Service
• Erich Kunzel Queen City Advocate
• Partnership Award
• Horace Sudduth Progressive Business Award
