Spencer County Tourism Awards

Celebrating the Community

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Spencer County Tourism Awards Overview 

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PURPOSE

A celebration of the people and organizations who make Spencer County a better place to visit—a better place to call home.

Tourism is a shared community effort in Spencer County. The Spencer County Tourism Awards recognize and celebrate partners of all types and all sizes, including volunteers, advocates, businesses, and nonprofit organizations.

AWARDS

Awards are given at the discretion of the selection committee, and not all awards may be presented every year.

• Tourism Champion
  An individual who actively promotes, champions, and elevates tourism in Spencer County—not because it’s their job title, but because they genuinely believe in the destination and consistently show it.
• Community Partner
  A business, nonprofit, or public entity that goes beyond their core mission to support and strengthen tourism in Spencer County through collaboration, investment, and community-minded leadership.
• Heart of Hospitality
  An individual or group who gives their time and energy in service of Spencer County’s tourism and community efforts.
• Spirit of the Destination
  This honor recognizes a beloved individual whose character, contributions, and connection to this place represent the very best of Spencer County as both a destination and a community. This award is open to past and present members of the community, including those still active, those who have stepped back or moved on, and those who have passed away.

ELIGIBILITY

Who can be nominated?

• Local businesses
• Individuals
• Organizations

NOMINATION PROCESS

Nominations are submitted by the community between June 1, 2026 – January 31, 2027.

Nomination Form:

Each nomination should include:

• Nominee name and category
• Nominator contact information
• A short description of why this person deserves recognition (500 word max)
• Optional supporting examples or materials
• To submit a nomination, visit Bit.ly/2027-Awards

SELECTION PROCESS & EVALUATION CRITERIA

A selection committee comprised of 3-5 members representing a mix of tourism and community voices will evaluate each nomination. Awards will be announced at the annual Spencer County Tourism Celebration.

Committee considerations:

• Impact on visitor experience
• Contribution beyond job requirements
• Alignment with destination values
• Longevity or consistency of effort