Two regional organizations received the Governor’s Tourism Awards Tuesday during the closing dinner at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Madison.

Gov. Scott Walker presented the The Arts, Culture and Heritage Award to Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua
– the only all-canvas, continually operating performing arts venue in the country. Big Top turns 27 years old this year, and has presented more than 1,600 performances and entertained more than half a million people.

The Service Excellence Award was presented to Greg Vreeland for the Mobile Travel Information Center Vreeland and area leaders custom-designed and built the centr in a full-sized semi trailer and attend trade and sports shows across the Midwest.

“Wisconsin’s scenic beauty and iconic attractions set the stage for tourism in the state, but it’s the people in the hospitality industry that are the driving force behind travelers returning here year after year,” Walker said.

Sponsored by the Governor’s Council on Tourism, the five Governor’s Tourism Awards recognize individuals and businesses for their commitment to excellence, achievements, dedication, and leadership that have resulted in a significant impact to Wisconsin’s travel and hospitality industry. Theree were 42 nominations this year – a record.

• Ground broken for new Superior SuperOne store - 5/21/2013
• Magnetation secures expansion financing - 5/21/2013
• Great Lakes vessel traffic down sharply - 5/20/2013
• Meeting will address potential LNG plant - 5/20/2013
• Family-owned Rice Lake firms work together at opening - 5/20/2013