CHILLICOTHE, Ohio – The Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau held their seventhannual Tourism Banquet and Pineapple Awards on Monday, May 2, 2022, after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the Bureau’s annual Promotional Grant Assistance Program (GAP) recognized the organizations that were granted funds for this year.

The Pineapple Awards were developed and given to nominated individuals who go above and beyond their job duties to ensure that guests receive the best service when they visit. The Bureau received a total of twenty-eight nominations which recognized individuals from all sectors of the local tourism industry, such as attractions, lodging facilities, special event venues, and local shops to name a few. The Bureau works to obtain judges who are in the tourism industry from around the state to read the nominations and make the determination of which nominations are awarded a Pineapple Award within four categories.

This year’s Pineapple Award recipients include:
• Volunteer of the Year: Jay Jackson, Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
• Front Line Associate of the Year: Violet Tanner, Hampton Inn & Suites
• Behind the Scenes Associate of the Year: Ty McBee, Ross County Park District
• Director/Inn Keeper of the Year: John Payne, Pump House Center for the Arts