Tourism Awards
Each year Visit Shawnee's staff and executive committee nominate and give out two awards to members of the local tourism and hospitality industry. These awards are then announced at Visit Shawnee's annual Tourism Luncheon that traditionally is held in May. Find out more about these awards and their past winners below!
Wondering why our 2022 Awardees were chosen? Read our blog post announcement!
Ann Smith-Tate, Mickey Sandifer, Dave MacKay, and Kevin Fern pose after Dave MacKay of Shawnee Mission Beach Volleyball receives the Good Starts Here Award at the Tourism Celebration Luncheon.
Good Starts Here Award
This award is presented annually for outstanding service to Shawnee Tourism, including the production of important events, continued excellence in service, creative offerings for visitors, and more....
Previous Honorees:
2022 - Dave MacKay, Shawnee Mission Beach Volleyball
2021 - Neal Sawyer, Rebuilding Together Shawnee
2020 - Will Walker, Old Shawnee Pizza
2019 - Tonya Lecuru, Shawnee Parks & Recreation
2018 - JoLynn Brosnan, Courtyard by Marriott
2017 - Mark Hembrey, Hereford House Shawnee
2016 - Neil Holman, Shawnee Parks & Recreation
2015 - Randy Bull, Hampton Inn Shawnee
2014 - Jeff Meyers, Shawnee Mayor
2013 - Ron Deffenbaugh, Deffenbaugh Foundation
2012 - Wheels & Dreams Car, Truck & Bike Show, Shawnee Downtown Business Association
2011 - Donna Sawyer, Old Shawnee Days
2010 - Charley Vogt, Country Club Bank
2009 - Jack Waters, Parkway Real Estate
Ann Smith-Tate, Mickey Sandifer, Evan Cummings, and Kevin Fern pose after Evan Cummings of Transport Brewery receives the Shawnee Friendly Service Award at the Tourism Celebration Luncheon.
Shawnee Friendly Service Award
This award is presented annually to a hospitality employee who is known for his or her exemplary customer service embodying the Shawnee spirit.
Previous Honorees:
2022 - Evan Cummings, Transport Brewery
2021 - Royal Krueger, Shawnee Town 1929
2020 - Amber Yonts, Courtyard by Marriott Shawnee
2019 - Mary Beatty, Hereford House Shawnee