Delta Awards handed out to recognize regional tourism

The 19th annual Delta Awards, recognizing tourism achievement, have been awarded by the Arkansas Delta Byways during the organization’s annual festivities Friday (Feb. 15) at the Grand Prairie Center in Stuttgart.

The event was sponsored by Arkansas Delta Byways with support from the city of Stuttgart and the Grand Prairie Center. Marcel Hanzlik, president of Arkansas Delta Byways, served as master of ceremonies.

The winners of the various tourism awards were:

Media Support: Mary Melton, Arkansas State University Publications and Creative Services, all counties

Hospitality: The Grand Prairie Center, Stuttgart, Arkansas County

Entrepreneur: Larry and Beth Taylor, Brinkley, Monroe County

Tourism Support/Promotional: Mississippi River Parkway Commission-Arkansas, all counties

Festival/Event: King Biscuit Blues Festival, Helena, Phillips County

Boot Strap: Mississippi County Museum, Osceola

Cultural Heritage: Hampson Archeological Museum State Park, Wilson, Mississippi County

ADB presented its “Outstanding Member Award” to Jim Jackson of West Memphis, executive director of the West Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau. The “Tourism Person of the Year” award went to Munnie Jordan of Helena, executive director of the King Biscuit Blues Festival.

The group presented a “Lifetime Achievement Award” to Dr. Ruth Hawkins, director of ASU’s Heritage Sites, who has worked with ADB since its inception.

Arkansas Delta Byways is the nonprofit association recognized by the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism as the official tourism promotion association for 15 counties in Eastern Arkansas. Member counties are Arkansas, Chicot, Clay, Craighead, Crittenden, Cross, Desha, Drew, Greene, Lee, Mississippi, Monroe, Phillips, Poinsett and St. Francis.

ADB is based on the ASU campus in Jonesboro and receives administrative support through the university’s Arkansas Heritage Sites Office.