2020 North Alabama PEAK Award Winners

Eleven individuals and organizations were recognized for their accomplishments during this past year during the 2020 PEAK Awards Luncheon. The program pays tribute to tourism leaders, attractions, festivals and organizations that set the bar for North Alabama’s $3 billion tourism industry. 
 Northern Star Award - Haley Newton, Joe Wheeler State Park Facility Operator.

The Northern Star Award is presented to an individual, such as a ranger, guide and a front line employee, who has gone “above and beyond” expectations.

Good Neighbor Award – Philip Formby, Sand Mountain Park and Amphitheatre Operations Director.

The “Good Neighbor” Friend of Tourism Award is presented to a person or organization whose body of work has had a significant impact on tourism in the past year.

Chairman’s Cup – Fred Hunter, Absolutely Alabama television show, Birmingham.
The Chairman’s Cup Award is given annually to a travel writer or media person who has over time demonstrated support of AMLA, the region and its tourism activities.

Young Professional of the Year Award – Maryanne Floyd, Decatur Morgan County Tourism Communications Director.
The Young Professional of the Year “Green Apple Award” is awarded to a person who has been in the tourism business less than seven years and has exhibited extraordinary leadership skills and initiative associated with their position.

Lasting Impression Award – Scotty Kennedy, Red Bay Museum Curator.
The Lasting Impression Award is presented to an attraction, event, person or organization that has provided a “lasting impression” on tourists thereby improving the overall image of tourism in North Alabama.

President’s Awards – Hilda Smith, Director Alabama Chapter of Texas Equasearch; Jana Kuner, Huntsville International Airport Public Relations Manager; Mindy Hanan, Alabama restaurant and Hospitality Association President/CEO.

The President’s Award is presented to any person or organization whose tourism-related project created awareness or presented a positive image for North Alabama in the past year.

Top Performing Ambassador Award – Zenovia Stephens, Huntsville.
The Top Performing North Alabama Ambassador Award recognizes the impact and achievements of internet bloggers and creators.

Event of the Year – Apollo 50th Anniversary Celebration, Huntsville.
The Event of the Year award is presented to the AMLA member special event or festival that has made a great contribution to tourism in the past year.

Attraction of the Year – Cook Museum of Natural Science, Decatur.
The Attraction of the Year award is presented to the AMLA member attraction that has made a great contribution to tourism in the past year.
Organization of the Year – Land Trust of North Alabama, Huntsville.

The Organization of the Year award is presented to the AMLA member organization that has contributed significantly to the betterment and development of tourism in North Alabama in the past year.

Tourism Professional of the Year – Pete Doyle, Holiday Inn Research Park General Manager, Huntsville.
The Tourism Professional of the Year award is presented to an individual or employee of an AMLA member organization who has made a great contribution to tourism in the past year.