Decatur, Ala. – The Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA) has honored the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce with the 2017 Organization of the Year award. The award is among 11 that comprise the PEAK Awards that will be presented Thursday, September 21 during the AMLA Annual Meeting at the Huntsville Botanical Garden. 

From supporting and sponsoring local events to attending travel shows to hosting travel writers to having an extensive advertising campaign, the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce demonstrates they understand every facet of the tourism industry. With a staff of three people, the Chamber’s accomplishments for the 2016-17 fiscal year include scheduling nearly 350 meetings with over 34,000 attendees; attended 11 travel, fishing and hunting and retiree shows; assisted six film crews; produced a monthly newsletter reaching over 1,400 businesses and individuals; maintaining a social media presence with a reach of over 17,000 in-network sources and served on various local and regional tourism boards.

Representing the highest achievement in North Alabama tourism, the annual PEAK Awards honor individuals and organizations that have had a major impact on tourism in the 16 northernmost counties of Alabama. The Organization of the Year award is presented to the AMLA member organization that has contributed significantly to the betterment and development of tourism in North Alabama in the past year.

“The PEAK Awards are designed to recognize the best in the North Alabama tourism industry and each of our winners are inspirational examples of those who are focused on making a memorable place for our visitors,” said Tami Reist, President/CEO of the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association.

The 2017 awards and winners are:
Organization of the Year - Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce
Event of the Year – Mule Day, Winfield, Ala.
Attraction of the Year – Huntsville Botanical Garden
Good Neighbor Award – Marty Abroms and Bill Lyons, Shoals Gold Record Room, Florence, Ala.
Northern Star Award – Clara Kirby, Lawler’s Barbecue, Athens, Ala.
Young Professional of the Year Award – Marley Schmid, Decatur-Morgan County CVB
Tourism Professional of the Year – Cassie Medley, Franklin County Chamber of Commerce
Lasting Impression Award – Judy Hood, Florence, Ala.
Chairman’s Cup – Juergen Beck, Freedom Light Production
President’s Award - Sally Smart, Barbara Kelly and Nell Standridge, founders of the Friends of Delano Park
Extra Mile Award – Officer Wesley Swoopes, Decatur Police Department