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Last week Experience Tennessee and the South Central Tennessee Tourism Association recognized four Tullahoma organizations with regional tourism awards.

Open nominations were accepted in various tourism-related categories.  Nominations were then narrowed by a public vote and again by a committee of tourism professionals.

This is the first year of the Experience Tennessee Regional Tourism Awards, a program made possible by a partnership with Company Distilling.

The four winners from Tullahoma were Clayton’s Shoes, Waters Edge Chocolates, South Jackson Performing Arts Center, and Holiday Inn Express.

According to Ryan French, Executive Director of Experience Tennessee, “These awards represent the people and places who go above and beyond to deliver outstanding hospitality and memorable experiences for both visitors and locals.  Each winner reflects the heart of the region and the spirit of what it truly means to experience Tennessee.”

Florence Clayton Hull, owner of Clayton’s Shoes, was genuinely surprised and honored to receive the award for “Shopping Staff” of the year.

“I work hard every day selling our visitors on Tullahoma.  I would like to think I’m an ambassador for Tullahoma. “

Stephanie Keller, GM of Holiday Inn Express, said, “What a beautiful honor to receive this award.  Hospitality is making people feel like they left their home to come into yours.  It is truly an honor to serve those who walk in the doors as strangers and leave as family.”

Ms. Keller was recognized as “Lodging Staff Member” of the year.

Ginny Wilson, co-owner of Waters Edge Chocolate, was recognized as the award-winner in the “Sweets and Treats” category.  She said, “I am honored and humbled to receive this award from Experience Tennessee.  We are so thankful for the support and the opportunity to continue to serve the community!”

Greg Gressel, Executive Director/Chairman of the South Jackson Performing Arts Center, which was recognized as the “Theatre/Performance Center” of the year.

Gressel said, “South Jackson Performing Arts Center was deeply honored to receive the Experience Tennessee Award.   This recognition celebrates not only our commitment to our artistic excellence but also our role in enriching the cultural landscape and supporting tourism in our city and region.  It is wonderful when others see the hard work that we pour into what we do.  We are grateful to our community, patrons and partners who make it possible for the arts to thrive in Tullahoma and beyond.”

This is the first year of the Experience Tennessee Regional Tourism Awards, a program made possible by a partnership with Company Distilling.

Recipients in qualifying categories of the Experience Tennessee awards have been nominated by the South Central TN Tourism Association in the state-wide Purple Iris Awards hosted by the Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association this September.

Experience Tennessee serves as one of nine state support agencies across the state, focused on economic development through tourism, marketing the region, and working with local partners to execute strategies across 13 counties in South Central Tennessee.

Tourism is the second largest industry in Tennessee delivering over $31 billion in direct visitor spending in 2024.