The Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau announces nominations are open for the annual Pineapple Awards for 2023. The awards are part of the Tourism Banquet that the Bureau hosts to bring members of Ross County tourism together to celebrate the start of the National Travel & Tourism Week. Additionally, this event serves as the kick-off event for the upcoming tourism season.
The Pineapple Awards recognize “the best of the best” in local tourism industry. Awards are given to recipients within four categories: “Volunteer of the Year,” “Front Line Associate of the Year,” “Behind the Scenes Associate of the Year,” and “Manager of the Year.” Nominations can be made by any individual to recognize someone who has gone above and beyond in their job to make a positive impact to guests/customers. During the event, the Bureau also bestows its “Grant Pineapple Award” to an individual or group that collaborates with the Bureau throughout the year and demonstrates a strong commitment to increasing awareness and the success of tourism in Ross County.
The pineapple was selected to represent the awards due to its universal symbolism of hospitality. This symbol was established in the early American colonies where captains returning from sea would spear a pineapple and display it on a fence post outside his home to let friends know of his safe return and invitation for them to visit.
Nominations to the Pineapple Awards are now open and forms can be downloaded from the Bureau’s website under the “About” tab and navigating to the “Tourism Banquet” section. Copies are also available for pick-up at the Bureau’s office located at 230 N. Plaza Blvd. All nominations must be returned by March 15, 2023, to be considered.