Alexandria Tourism Group Recognizes Members for Outstanding Efforts

The Alexandria Visitors and Convention Association gave awards Friday to members who have shown deep commitment to showcasing the city locally, nationally and internationally.

At the event in Old Town's Athenaeum, the Superstar Award winners went to association members representing the historic sector, visual arts, hotel group sales and visitor services.

Winners were: Amy Bertsch from the Office of Historic Alexandria for her work providing extensive content about Alexandria for ACVA's promotion of the city as a destination for the Civil War sesquicentennial.

Suzanne Bethel of The Art League and Lisa Schumaier of the Torpedo Factory Artists' Association were recognized for partnering with ACVA to create the Alexandria Art Experience, a new "local village" at the Alexandria Festival of the Arts.

Travis Breen of Kimpton Hotels received the award for being a strong city advocate for Alexandria's meetings market.

Cynetra Bristol of Morris Visitor Publications was recognized for being an integral part of the Alexandria Visitors Guide delivery process, helping to distribute all 400,000 guides this year.

After the superstar awards were given, Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille was presented with a portrait by Art League artist Steve Prince. The artwork, which includes a likeness of the mayor, was created as a result of the mayor's participation in the new Alexandria Art Experience at the Alexandria Festival of the Arts.

Upon accepting his gift, the mayor thanked the tourism organization for its efforts and said where ever he travels - from Dubai to Dublin - everyone has heard of Alexandria thanks to the work of the ACVA.