By Don Nelson | [email protected] | Story updated at 11:12 pm on 5/15/2009
Athens tourism officials recognized E.H. Culpepper, Johnny Fowler and Lesley Nelms Friday for their work on behalf of the hospitality industry in Athens.
The Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau presented Culpepper with the Louis Griffith Hospitality Leadership Award, which recognizes an outstanding management-level individual who has helped the local hospitality industry and the community as a whole.
Culpepper’s five decades of service to the Athens community have included representing Athens on the Georgia Rail Passenger Authority, the University Parkway Alliance and the U.S. 441 Economic Development Council.
Fowler received the Classic Host Award, given to an individual committed to bringing a new convention, meeting or event generating a significant economic impact to Athens. A former CVB chairman, Fowler was instrumental in bringing the Northeast Georgia Methodist Conference, Athens’ largest convention, to the Classic Center.
Nelms, executive housekeeper for the Hilton Garden Inn, won the 2009 Hospitality HEROES of the Year award, which recognizes excellent service to visitors by a front-line employee.
Nelms was cited for the extra assistance she gave to hotel guests with medical emergencies and other needs during an electrical blackout after a snowstorm March 1.
The awards were presented at a tourism breakfast hosted by the CVB and the Athens Welcome Center at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education as part of National Travel and Tourism Week.
Athens tourism officials recognized E.H. Culpepper, Johnny Fowler and Lesley Nelms Friday for their work on behalf of the hospitality industry in Athens.