"Tommy" Awards Honor Tallahassee Museum & Four Points by Sheraton’s Bo Schmitz

“Tommy” Awards Honor Tallahassee Museum & Four Points by Sheraton’s Bo Schmitz

Tallahassee, Fla. – Oct. 3, 2014 – One of the area’s most iconic and popular attractions and the man who resurrected another icon were honored Thursday night with the Thomas A. Waits Distinguished Leadership Awards, recognizing organizations and individuals who made a significant impact to the Leon County tourism industry.

The Tallahassee Museum and Bo Schmitz, general manager of the Four Points by Sheraton, received the awards at the annual Marketing Rollout held by the Leon County Division of Tourism Development (Visit Tallahassee). The awards are given annually to those nominated by the tourism community and selected by a panel of past recipients.

The Tallahassee Museum has played a key role in preserving the natural environment and the region’s history and heritage since its founding in 1957. Noted for its exhibits showcasing native and rare wildlife in natural settings and pioneer dwellings, recent additions include the largest collection of “dinosaurs” by Jim Gary and the popular “Tree to Tree Adventures” zipline and aerial obstacle course. In addition to its role with the local tourism industry, the museum was instrumental in the establishment of the Big Bend Scenic Byway, as well as other regional and statewide initiatives.

Two years ago, Schmitz wrapped up a sizable renovation project to “the round hotel” that accented Tennessee Street for decades. The building, once a symbol of disrepair and neglect, is now an award-winning hotel, including the highly regarded certification by the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). A noted speaker on environmental awareness and sustainability, Schmitz serves as the vice president of lodging for the Tallahassee chapter of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association.

The awards have been presented annually since 2002. In 2003, the award was officially named “The Thomas A. Waits Hospitality Award” – affectionately known as “The Tommy.” It pays tribute to a man who dedicated his career to economic development through tourism. In 2010, the program expanded for also recognizing one organization that reflects the ideals and visionary leadership of tourism excellence.

Past awards winners include:

Individuals

2002 – Althemese Barnes, Executive Director, Riley House Museum
2003 – Pace Allen, General Manager, Collegiate Village Inn
2004 – Chucha Barber, Executive Director, Brogan Museum of Art & Science
2005 – Mickey Brady, General Manager, Cabot Lodge N. Monroe
2006 – Patricia Grosvenor, Director of Sales, Park Plaza Hotel
2007 – Donna Ross, President/CEO, Florida Attractions Association
2008 – Bill Hagen, Chair of the Tallahassee Sports Council
2009 – Sharon Liggett, President, TACVB
2010 – Russell Daws, Executive Director, Tallahassee Museum
2011 – Marc Bauer, General Manager, Hotel Duval
2012 – Dr. Mark Bonn, Professor and Director of Distance Learning Programs at Florida State University’s Dedman School of Hospitality
2013 – Lee Daniel, Executive Director of Leon County Division of Tourism Development

Organizations

2010 – Mary Brogan Museum of Art & Science
2011 – Augustus B. Turnbull III Florida State Conference Center
2012 – Hotel Duval
2013 – The Challenger Learning Center

The Leon County Division of Tourism Development (Visit Tallahassee) is the official tourism marketing organization for Tallahassee and Leon County, Florida, promoting tourism to the area through direct sales, advertising, public relations, sports, film, product development and visitor services. For more information, visit www.VisitTallahassee.com.

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