For Immediate Release

Walworth County Visitors Bureau Bestows Tourism Awards at Annual Banquet
Friend of Tourism and Member of the Year Winners Announced

ELKHORN, Wis. — (May 25, 2011) — The Walworth County Visitors Bureau (WCVB) presented tourism awards at its annual awards banquet on May 12. The event was held at Hawk’s View Golf Club in Lake Geneva during National Travel & Tourism Week, May 7-15.

The Friend of Tourism award was presented to Barb Krause, Publisher, Nei-Turner Media Group, Williams Bay, WI. Krause received the award for her dedication to the WCVB through support and promotion of tourism in Walworth County.

Member of the Year was awarded to Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, WI, for its dedication to the WCVB through committee participation, contributions and volunteerism.

"Although we value and appreciate all of our members' support, we wanted to present special awards to those who go above and beyond our expectations in sustaining our organization and in promoting tourism in Walworth County," says Kathleen Seeberg, Executive Director, Walworth County Visitors Bureau.

"This year in particular we appreciate the efforts of all of our supporters because we are realizing very positive results," Seeberg continues. "Information released earlier this month indicates that in 2010 travelers spent $414.2 million in Walworth County. This is an 11.8% increase over 2009, giving Walworth the largest increase in tourism spending of any county in the state."

The awards banquet also featured Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch as the guest speaker. Kleefisch referred to Walworth County as the "gateway" to tourism in Wisconsin, especially because of its proximity to visitors from Illinois.

The Walworth County Visitors' Bureau (WCVB), located in Elkhorn, Wis., is dedicated to promoting tourism throughout Walworth County. One of the County's more well-known destinations, Lake Geneva, was named among the 2009 Dozen Distinctive Destinations by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Washington, D.C. The Bureau is located in a historic building featuring antiques and vintage items, where visitors can browse through area travel literature and enjoy Wi-Fi and a coffee bar. For additional information, contact the WCVB at (262) 723-3980 or visit its website at www.VisitWalworthCounty.com. Find us on facebook.com/GreaterLakeGenevaArea. Follow us on twitter.com/VisitLakeGeneva.

Photo captions:

Friend of Tourism award is presented to Barb Krause (left), Publisher, Nei-Turner Media Group by Kathleen Seeberg, Executive Director, WCVB and Karen Beckman, President, WCVB Board of Directors.

Brett Sundstrom, Managing Director, accepts the Member of the Year award on behalf of Grand Geneva Resort & Spa from Kathleen Seeberg, Executive Director, WCVB and Karen Beckman, President, WCVB Board of Directors.

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Contacts:

Name: Kathleen Seeberg
Company: Walworth County Visitors Bureau
Phone: 262-723-3980
Email: kathy@visitwalworthcounty.com

Name: Marilyn McGair
Company: Marketing Images
Phone: (262) 522-4745
Email: marilyn@marketingimages.com