Director of Communications
amanda.murphy@tn.gov
615-741-9010
Senior Communications Manager
jill.kilgore@tn.gov
615-927-1320
Communications Manager
Alli.Lapps@tn.gov
BRISTOL, TN/VA – The Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association announced the 20th Annual Pinnacle Awards celebrating 40 years of Northeast Tennessee Tourism.
Presented by Bristol Motor Speedway and produced in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Commissioner Kevin Triplett was on hand to present the top performers who contribute to community and economic development in the Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia region. The organization saw a record number of 47 entries in categories for advertising and promotions, special events, special projects, public relations and volunteers.
Ranked by a panel of judges within the tourism and advertising industry, Pinnacle Awards were given to the top entries in each category with Merit Awards for additional entries that received high remarks.
The newly-added Platinum Pinnacle Award was given to the staff of Bristol Motor Speedway for their efforts and the economic impact felt across the region for the World’s Largest Football Game featuring the University of Tennessee and Virginia Tech held last September.
Tourism is the second largest economic driver in the state of Tennessee, with Northeast Tennessee generating more than $772 million in direct tourist spending, more than $144 million in payroll while employing nearly 6,000 people in the region, and generating more than $44 million in sales tax revenue annually.
The Pinnacle and Merit Awards were given to the following projects:
Advertising and Promotions: Pinnacle Award Winners
Birthplace of Country Music Groundhog Day Campaign
The High Road Agency
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Reveal Video
Birthplace of Country Music
Discover Bristol Rebranding Campaign
The High Road Agency
Discover Bristol Website
Bristol Convention & Visitors Bureau
Gadsden Flag Tennessee Specialty License Plate
Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park
Jonesborough Visitor Guide
Town of Jonesborough Department of Tourism
Advertising and Promotions: Merit Award Winners
Birthplace of Country Music Branding Video
Birthplace of Country Music
Birthplace of Country Music Museum Commercial
Birthplace of Country Music
Jonesborough Tourism Website
Town of Jonesborough
Public Relations: Pinnacle Award Winners
Battle at Bristol Social Media
The High Road Agency
Integrated Public Relations Campaign for the World’s Largest Football Game
Birthplace of Country Music, Bristol Convention & Visitors Bureau, Bristol Motor Speedway
Social Media for Main Street Jonesborough
Main Street Jonesborough
Public Relations: Merit Award Winner
Explore Downtown Johnson City Brand Launch
Johnson City Development Authority
Special Event: Pinnacle Award Winners
20th Anniversary of the Commissioning of The USS Greeneville Submarine
Tourism Department of Greene County Partnership
Battle on the State Line Kick-Off & Tailgate
Bristol Convention & Visitors Bureau
Jonesborough Chocolate Fest
Jonesborough Area Merchants & Services Association
Special Event: Merit Award Winners
AAU 7th Grade Girls Basketball Division II and II National Championships
Visit Kingsport
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Festival Guide
The High Road Agency
Covered Bridge Celebration
Elizabethton Carter County Chamber of Commerce
Erwin Elephant Revival
Join Economic Development Board of Unicoi County for RISE Erwin
Johnson City Bootleg Bash
Johnson City Development Authority and Johnson City Convention & Visitor’s Bureau
Jonesborough Yarn Exchange Radio Series
Jonesborough Yarn Exchange
Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park
Special Project: Pinnacle Award Winners
Birthplace of County Music Museum Airport Display
The High Road Agency
Kingsport Libation Vacation
Visit Kingsport
Southern Dozen – The 13th Ride
Johnson City Convention & Visitor’s Bureau
Tennessee Ernie Ford: A Life On Stage Special Exhibit
Birthplace of Country Music
Special Project: Merit Award Winners
Sensory Night
Hands On! Regional Museum
Jonesborough Story Town App
Town of Jonesborough McKinney Center
Tourism Congeniality Award
Martin the GEICO Gecko
Tourism Volunteer Award
Tennessee Eastman Hiking & Canoeing Club
Judge’s Choice
Southern Dozen – The 13th Ride
Johnson City Convention & Visitor’s Bureau
Jonesborough Visitor Guide
Town of Jonesborough Department of Tourism
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Reveal Video
Birthplace of Country Music
Platinum Pinnacle
Battle at Bristol
Staff of Bristol Motor Speedway
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Director of Communications
amanda.murphy@tn.gov
615-741-9010
Senior Communications Manager
jill.kilgore@tn.gov
615-927-1320
Communications Manager
Alli.Lapps@tn.gov