CLICK HERE to watch a video recap of the 2012 Tourism Hamilton Awards of Excellence.
Hamilton’s innovative culinary offerings were prominently featured at tonight’s Tourism Awards of Excellence including a popular new food truck and new artisan bakery. A total of 23 Awards were handed out at the Convention Centre including two new Culinary Experience categories; one awarded by judges and the other chosen by the public. Gorilla Cheese, the 2011 Canadian Country Music Week, and the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel each won two Awards at tonight’s sold out event.
Almost 700 votes were placed online for the People’s Choice for Culinary Experience where Hamilton residents and tourists were invited to select their favourite restaurant, coffee shop, food-related event, or food truck. Taking 33% of the votes to win the People’s Choice for Culinary Experience was Cake and Loaf Bakery.
Complete list of winners (broken down into three areas):
Business:
Small Tourism Business of the Year: White Elephant (handmade and vintage shop)
Large Tourism Business of the Year: Sheraton Hamilton Hotel
Golf & Country Club and/or Course: City of Hamilton Civic Golf Courses
The Green Sustainable Award: Royal Botanical Gardens
Agri-Tourism Business: Weir’s Lane Lavender & Apiary
Small-scale Event or Festival: Go Cooking (The Hamilton Spectator)
Medium-scale Event or Festival: Re-Enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek
Large-scale Event or Festival: 2011 Canadian Country Music Week, HECFI
Bed & Breakfast: Osler House Bed & Breakfast
Culinary Experience: Gorilla Cheese
People’s Choice for Culinary Experience: (by online votes) Cake and Loaf Bakery
Rookie of the Year: Gorilla Cheese
Marketing:
Travel Journalism Story: “Jon’s Journey”, Jon Wells, The Hamilton Spectator
Tourism Website: www.lockestreetshops.com
Brochure or Promo Piece: Downtown Hamilton BIA Restaurant Guide
Individual:
Lifetime Achievement: Murray Puddicombe, Puddicombe Farms
Arts Ambassador: Kelly Lowe, Kelly Lowe Glass
Entertainment Ambassador: Tim Potocic, Supercrawl
Sport Ambassador: Mike Samuel, The Hamilton Hurricanes
Convention Ambassador: William Leigh, 2011 International Organosilicon Chemistry
Transportation Representative: 2011 Canadian Country Music Week Transportation Team
Front-Line Customer Service or Server: Jenny Wilkins, Sheraton Hamilton Hotel
Volunteer of the Year: Dane Pedersen, Supercrawl
