PEMBROKE – On Monday April 30, 2018, the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association (OVTA) held its 2018 Ottawa Valley Tourism Conference & Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Santa Fe Southwestern Grill in downtown Renfrew, Ontario.
Over 90 members, guest and dignitaries were treated to a full day event which included a presentation on online reputation management by keynote Frederic Gonzalo of Gonzo Marketing, a session on destination development led by Ontario’s Highland’s Tourism Organization’s (OHTO) Manager Nicole Whiting, and the celebration of the Ottawa Valley Tourism Awards.
The 2018 Ottawa Valley Tourism Awards winners are:
Bob Peltzer (Bonnechere Valley), 2018 Marilyn Alexander Tourism Champion Award
Whitewater Brewing Company (Whitewater Region), 2018 Business of Distinction Award
Upper Ottawa River Race and Paddle Festival (Petawawa/Pembroke), 2018 Special Event of the Year Award
During the AGM, OVTA members elected the Board of Directors, which is comprised of membership representatives from various sectors of the local tourism industry. The President and Vice President were elected at a meeting of the Board of Directors held immediately following the AGM: President – Chris Hinsperger – Bonnechere Caves, Eganville; Vice President – Arlene Jamieson – Venture Interiors, Renfrew.
Directors: Marc Bru – Square Timber Brewing Co, Laurentian Valley; Angela Siebarth – Champlain Trail Museum, Pembroke; Andrea Labelle – Santa Fe Southwestern Grill, Renfrew; Liz Murphy, Calabogie Peaks Resort, Calabogie; Sharon Mahussier, Spectacle Lake Lodge, Barry’s Bay; Chris Melmoth, Algonquin College, Pembroke; Geoff Patterson, Township of McNab/Braeside; Heather Sutherland, City of Pembroke (City Staff Representative); City of Pembroke Representative – Councilor Patricia Lafrenière; County Council Representative – Mayor Glenda McKay; and County Council Representative – Reeve Glenn Doncaster .
In reflection of the event, OVTA President Chris Hinsperger said, “It is always a pleasure to be in the room with friends and colleagues that we have been working with for years. That level of pleasure jumps a few notches when we see so many new faces. New people bring new ideas and enthusiasm. Mix that with experience and pride in our tourism offerings here in the Valley and the result is a great team of motivated people wanting to welcome the rest of Canada and the world!”
