Hopewell Culture NHP Tops Annual RCCVB Tourism Pineapple Awards
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Hopewell Culture National Historical Park was awarded the 2024 Grand Pineapple Award at the 9th Annual Tourism Banquet & Pineapple Awards, sponsored by the Ross-Chillicothe Convention and Visitors Bureau Monday.
The awards recognize the Best of the Best in the local tourism industry which provide an authentic experience for visitors – from the area attractions, lodging partners, restaurants, retail, and many other sectors.
“There was a record number of nominations received this year, which shows we have some outstanding individuals in our community making a huge impact on visitors’ experience” RCCVB Executive Director, Melody Young told the audience gathered at Chillicothe’s Christopher Conference Center.
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Last September, the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks became Ohio’s first United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) World Heritage Site. The inscription followed a two-decade long application process. Chillicothe’s Hopewell Culture NHP is the center of the Earthworks which stretch from Newark to Fort Ancient near Lebanon, Ohio.
“Today we recognize their dedication, their collaboration, and their transformative impact and shaping the future of Ross County tourism landscape” said RCCVB Board President Brandon Smith.
Part of the $35-million awarded to the City of Chillicothe from the Appalachian Communities Grant Program is being used to transform the Armory in Yoctangee Park into the UNESCO World Heritage Visitors Center.
“I want to thank our Commissioners, Mayor, and everyone else that was a driving force of collaboration to achieve the success of this grant. I’m excited to witness this transformation over the next couple of years” said Young.
Individuals receiving Pineapple Awards in four categories include:
Terressa Reep was the Volunteer of the Year recipient for her volunteerism for Shine-On Chillicothe, the Hopewell Friends Group, Chillicothe’s America 250 preparations, the Tour of Homes and her many successful endeavors in the community.
The Front Line Associate of the Year award was presented to Suzanne Toth, boutique manager for Kindly Boutique.
The Behind the Scenes Associates of the Year is Lee Crouse, Associate Producer of “Tecumseh!” Outdoor Drama.
Katrina Horsley, General Manager of the Quality Inn is the Manager of the Year.
The Bureau’s GAP Committee awarded a combined $20,000 in funds to twelve organizations to assist in the promotional efforts for their events. Those recipients are:
- Cheryl’s House of Hope for the Gus Macker basketball tournament
- Chillicothe Half-Marathon
- Chillicothe Trails for the GPS100 Race
- Mid-Ohio Jeepers for the annual Ohio Jeep Fest
- Ohio River Valley “T” Club for the 35th annual Ohio Model T Jamboree
- Project Badapple for the Badapple Classic disc golf tournament
- Pump House Center for the Arts for the Juneteenth Program
- Ross County Historical Society for new exhibits
- Smash It Demolition Derby for the annual Bash for Cash
- Southern Ohio Forest Rally
- The Scioto Society for the Experience Ross County Pass
- The movie “Without Her” for its Purple Carpet Film Paw-miere
