The Nevada Division of Tourism honored several individuals and organizations for their dedication to the state’s tourism industry.

Award winners are as follows:

Excellence in Tourism Award – Reno-Tahoe Territory

The Carson City Culture and Tourism Authority, formerly the Carson City Visitors Bureau, was recognized for its work to rebrand the community as a destination for outdoor recreation, arts and culture, farm-to-fork dining and special events.

Excellence in Tourism Award – Cowboy Country Territory

For more than 15 years, Kerrie Supanich has worked in tourism at West Wendover. Supanich has participated in several travel trade and consumer shows on behalf of Cowboy Country, including the Go West Summit in Salt Lake City earlier this year. Cowboy Country promotes tourism in northern Nevada along the Interstate 80 corridor.

Excellence in Tourism Award – Nevada Indian Territory

Michon Eben is actively involved with Nevada Indian Territory, which promotes cultural tourism throughout the state. She has coordinated cultural tours, as well as developed and curated exhibits highlighting the artists and veterans of the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony. Eben also is working to preserve historical photos and documents through digitalization and works with the Artown festival in Reno to ensure a Native American presence at the event.

Excellence in Tourism Award – Las Vegas Territory

Las Vegas tourism professionals Michelle Dillard, Richard Scown and Jan Johnson serve as the finance committee for Las Vegas Territory, which promotes visitation to the Las Vegas region. As a group, they were recognized for their volunteer efforts to improve and elevate Las Vegas Territory’s accounting processes.

Excellence in Tourism Award – Nevada Silver Trails

Shari Bombard, tourism and events coordinator for the town of Tonopah, was honored for her work with Nevada Silver Trails Territory, the section of Nevada south of Highway 50 and north of Las Vegas.

Excellence in Tourism Award – Pony Express Territory

Jane Moon, director of tourism and visitor events for the city of Fallon, was recognized by Pony Express Territory, which promotes visitation along the Highway 50 corridor. Moon, a longtime Nevadan and former Miss Sparks, was commended for her volunteer efforts with many community groups, as well as her work with the Fallon Convention and Tourism Authority.

Statewide Excellence in Grants Award

Ed Spear, president of the Grand Circle Association (promoting the American Southwest) and former chairman of Pony Express Territory, was recognized for his skill as a grant writer. He has used that skill to secure grants for various tourism entities, including Pony Express Territory.

Statewide Excellence in Tourism Award

In addition to his work as executive director of the Elko Convention & Visitors Authority, Don Newman represents rural communities on the Nevada Commission on Tourism, the entity that advises TravelNevada. A strong supporter of tourism throughout state, Newman has served on such committees as the Nevada 150th Anniversary Commission and was instrumental in the state’s acquisition of the Sesquicentennial Saddle, a handcrafted artisan saddle created by J.M. Capriola and on display at the Nevada State Museum in Carson City.

Larry J. Friedman Industry Partner of the Year Award

Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters, with locations in Las Vegas and Boulder City, was recognized with the Larry J. Friedman Industry Partner of the Year Award.