Champions of Nevada’s rural tourism industry were recognized this month at the VolunTourism Awards ceremony during the Nevada Commission on Tourism’s Rural Roundup conference.

In the Reno-Tahoe Territory, Dwight Borges was recognized.

He is an active member of the Reno-Tahoe Territory, serving as chairman of the group’s website committee. The owner of Borges Sleigh and Carriage Rides in Lake Tahoe also hosts numerous travel professionals and media visiting the Reno-Tahoe area on familiarization tours.

Nevada tourism is a $58 billion industry.

Other recipients include:

Cowboy Country Territory — Sheree Tibbals has more than 20 years of tourism-related experience with the Winnemucca Convention &Visitors Authority.

Indian Territory — Ben Rupert of Carson City works extensively to share his knowledge of the Paiute and Washoe people with the larger community, facilitating interest in and tourism to Nevada’s Indian cultural sites.

Las Vegas Territory — Earl Jobson volunteers with the Las Vegas Territory monthly meetings and helps with the selection of educational speakers and venues.

Nevada Silver Trails Territory — Don Shanks of Pioche has promoted rural Nevada tourism since 1990.

Pony Express Territory — Lorraine Clark is a tireless promoter of rural Nevada tourism, supporting not only Pony Express Territory, but many of the area’s tourism organizations, including the Ely Chamber of Commerce.