Wilmington wins tourism awards

Convention South, a top meetings industry magazine focused on the South, has named the Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) as a winner of its 2011 Readers' Choice Awards. The awards showcase the meeting industry's best CVBs, meeting sites, hotels and suppliers nominated by ConventionSouth’s readers and selected based on their professionalism and quality service.

The Wilmington and Beaches CVB was the only North Carolina CVB honored this year.  More than 18,000 readers were asked to vote. 

"It's an honor to be recognized by meeting professionals and visitors across the South, and this award highlights the success of our community's collaborative efforts as well as the unique offerings of our historic river district and island beaches," said Kim Hufham, president and CEO of the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority (TDA), which does business as the Wilmington and Beaches CVB.  

The Wilmington Convention Center, which celebrated the one-year anniversary of its official grand opening this month, was also honored with a Reader’s Choice Award as one of the top new properties of the year.

Hufham also announced the Tourism Development Authority's new board officers for 2012. They were elected at the regular TDA board meeting on January 25.

Chairman John Andrews is the owner of South Beach Grill in Wrightsville Beach. He represents restaurants in New Hanover County.

Vice Chairman Anne Marie Hartman is the general manager of the Holiday Inn Resort in Wrightsville Beach. Hartman represents Wrightsville Beach accommodations.

Secretary Chuck Pennington is the owner of The Verandas Bed and Breakfast in Wilmington. Pennington, serving a second term in this position, represents New Hanover County bed and breakfast inns. 

Treasurer Avril Pinder is New Hanover County finance officer. 

At-large member representing the immediate past chairman is Carl Marshburn, owner of Cape Fear Riverboats.

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