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JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Tourism in Northeast Tennessee thrives on strong partnerships, campaigns, and advertisements, and now boasts numerous Pinnacle Awards to highlight its success.
This year, the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association broke records at the 28th annual Northeast Tennessee Pinnacle Awards with more than 10 nominations in categories for marketing, advertising, events, attractions, individual achievement and supporting business.
Ranked by a panel of judges within the tourism and hospitality industry across the United States, Pinnacle Awards were given to the following projects, events and individuals in both small and large budget categories:
Attraction of the Year
Copperhead Road Landmark
Tiebreakers
Event of the Year
Johnson City Main Street Days
Fun Fest
Best New Event
Bristol Open 2024 – PPA Tour Event – Bristol Sportsplex
Appalachian League All-Star Game – Visit Johnson City
Best Sports Event
Bike Ride Across Greene County – Greene County Partnership
MATE ROV World Championships – Visit Kingsport
Frontline Employee of the Year
Paul Harris – nominated by Jonesborough Tourism Department
Volunteer of the Year
Barbara Mentgen – nominated by Visit Johnson City
Entrepreneur of the Year
Katherine Hackler – nominated by Main Street Greeneville
Hospitality Leader of the Year
Gabe Davis– nominated by Visit Johnson City
Tourism Leader of the Year
Matt Bolas – nominated by Ripl Creative
Vendor of the Year
Interstate Graphics – nominated by Visit Johnson City
Partnership of the Year
Jonesborough Tourism Department and Highland Cow Farms
Best Marketing Campaign
StoryTown Radio Show Rebranding – McKinney Center
Explore More in Bristol
Best Public Relations Campaign
Outdoor Writers Association of America – Visit Johnson City
Best Social Media Campaign
The Juice is Loose: Believe in Bristol’s Halloween Campaign
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
Best High School Campaign
Work-Based Learning at Sullivan Co. Schools – West Ridge High School
Roll With It
Storytelling Benefit Concert – McKinney Center
Johnson City Railroad Experience – Visit Johnson City
Brochure or Guide
Northeast TN Museum Association Brochure & Map
Jonesborough Visitors Guide
Rack Card
Visit Mountain City, TN
Candy Land Christmas – Visit Johnson City
Mailer
Alliance for Continued Learning – ETSU Office of Professional Development
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Wristband Mailer
Print Ad
Buffalo Mountain Writers Workshop: Wild Words – ETSU Office of Professional Development
You Can Do You – Visit Johnson City
Photography – Lifestyle
Under the Lights by Ashli Linkous
Photography – Landscape
Downtown Kingsport by caseSensitive Photos
Commerical
Birthplace of Country Music Museum 10th Anniversary
Best Virtual Series
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Paste Magazine Sessions
Long Video
Copperhead Road Landmark – Visit Mountain City, TN
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion 2024 Recap
Short Video
The Jackson Theatre
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion 2024 “Thank You”
Adventure Tourism
SORBA Tri-Cities – nominated by Visit Johnson City
Rising Star
Isabel Hawley-Lopez – nominated by Jonesborough Tourism Department
Sustainability Leader
Eastman Global Innovation Summit – nominated by Visit Kingsport
Winners were recognized at the 28th Annual Pinnacle Awards Ceremony on Wednesday at Tennessee Hills Distillery.
According to the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association, Northeast Tennessee generates more than $867 million in direct visitor spending, more than $205 million in payroll while employing 7,000 people, and generates $34 million in local sales tax annually.
The Pinnacle Awards are presented by Bristol Motor Speedway and produced in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, representatives from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and the Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association.
