SHREVEPORT, La. — The Louisiana Travel Promotion Association (LTPA) recognized Louisiana tourism members for their efforts to advance the state’s industry at the recent Louey Awards luncheon.

Louisiana Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne handed out the awards and congratulated recipients at the luncheon, which drew more than 300 people in the Shreveport Convention Center during the 2012 Travel Industry Summit.

“To receive a Louey is truly an honor. It is the only award reserved especially for members of the state’s tourism industry,” said Darienne Mobley, co-executive director of LTPA in a statement. “Closing our annual Travel Industry Summit with the awards luncheon is a great way to send everyone home; it celebrates the hard work of so many and hopefully gives others in the room an incentive for going the extra mile in the year ahead.”

Members of the Louisiana tourism industry received honors in a variety of categories. Outstanding Convention and Visitors Bureau, CVB, /Tourist Commission of the year included two budget categories: $250,000 - $749,999 and $750,000 and above. Other categories were Tourism Campaign of the Year; Festival of the Year; Accommodation of the Year; Attraction of the Year; Governmental Friend of Tourism, given to a state representative and state senator; LTPA Associate Member of the Year; Victor Profis Memorial Travel Media Louey; and the Will Mangham Lifetime Achievement Louey.

Here are the winners:

Outstanding Tourist Commission of Year, budget of $250,000 - $749,999, was awarded to St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission. In 2011 the commission opened a new visitor center that was built following green construction practices and that also focuses on sustainability. It is the only center of its kind in the state and one of only a few in the United States. The center offers educational, artistic and cultural programs and exhibits. In the short time this center has been open, the parish has shown a 40 percent increase in tax revenues.

Outstanding CVB of the Year, budget of $750,000 and above, went to the St. Tammany Parish Tourist and Convention Commission for being an innovative leader in promoting Louisiana’s Northshore. Their creative marketing campaign to generate interest in the Southern Living Idea House in Covington resulted in the greatest opening weekend attendance of any Idea House in Southern Living history. In 2010, visitors stayed an average of almost three days and spent more than $900 per trip.

Tourism Campaign of the Year was awarded to Southeast Louisiana Gumbo for their Amtrak Sales Mission. This group, comprising 10 parishes, traveled by train to Jackson, Miss.; Memphis, Tenn.; and Chicago to promote the southeast region of the state. Receptions were held in each city's Amtrak station for members of the tourism industry and local media. A Louisiana chef was on board and prepared local dishes that represented each parish. As a result, several articles were published about this unique sales mission.

Festival of the Year went to Kite Fest Louisiane, the only festival of its kind in the state, held in April. In its first year, the festival drew a crowd of 1,800 and in 2011, more than 15,000 attended. Student participation has also increased from 500 to nearly 4,000. In 2011 the festival was recognized as one of the top 30 festivals in the state.  

Accommodation of the Year was awarded to Dansereau House for the innovative way they embrace their history. After the Civil War, the property was used as a doctor’s office where horse- drawn buggies could easily enter the ground floor to drop off patients. It has been reported that the first cataract surgery was performed there. Today, visitors settle in this historic property for weekend getaways, brides and grooms say their vows and locals stop in for wine dinners, special events and tea parties with their children.

Attraction of the Year was for the Historic New Orleans Collection, one of the foremost museums and research institutions in the region. Its rotating exhibits, such as the Katrina + 5: Documenting Disaster, Drawn to Life: Al Hirschfeld and the Theatre of Tennessee Williams draw crowds from all over the U.S. In fact, from the end of June 2010 to the beginning of July 2011, this attraction welcomed more than 39,000 visitors from across Louisiana and most of the other 50 states, and nearly 60 other countries.

Governmental Friend of Tourism was presented to Rep. Patrick C. Williams and Sen. Gerald Long.

Rep. Williams represents District 4, which includes Caddo Parish; and Sen. Long represents District 3, which includes Natchitoches, Sabine, Winn, Grant and portions of Rapides and Red River parishes.

Rep. Williams was honored for his appreciation of the jobs and economic development the gaming and tourism industries bring to his region of the state. He was also honored for his adamant support of the Margaritaville Casino and Resort that will add to the area’s hotel rooms and expand the gaming market when it opens in 2013.

Sen. Long was recognized for his efforts to enhance tourism in his area by securing funds for the Sports Hall of Fame, Plainview Road rehabilitation and street upgrades for Winn Parish. The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame set to open in early 2013 would not be possible without the work he has done and continues to do in order to secure funding. Sen. Long is also very proud of Natchitoches Annual Festival of Lights and the economic benefits it brings to the area.

LTPA Associate Member of the Year went to Erin Palmintier, advertising director for the Louisiana Press Association. For the past 10 years, her association has worked closely with LTPA and the Louisiana Office of Tourism on developing custom advertising programs and opportunities. She is always looking at new ways to offer valuable opportunities that meet members’ needs, and she understands the varying dynamics that influence the marketing decisions they have to make.

The Victor Profis Memorial Travel Media Louey is given in honor of Victor Profis, who worked with Southern Living magazine. This year’s Louey went to Gary Ellis, president of Compass Media, for his loyalty and commitment to advancing the state’s tourism industry.  For more than five years, Ellis has been instrumental in the success of the Louisiana Culinary Trails program and the former Encore Retirement program administered by the state Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism. 

The Will Mangham Lifetime Achievement Louey went to Gerald Breaux, executive director of the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission.

For the past 30 years, Breaux has tirelessly promoted his parish and surrounding regions. His approach has always been to give the visitor a complete cultural experience that stretches past the boundaries of his area and into the surrounding communities. His efforts have made a lasting impression on visitors, locals in his region and on tourism industry colleagues from across the state and the world. Under his leadership, his area has recently received two honors proclaiming the deliciousness of the food in Lafayette. One came from Rand McNally, titled “Best Food Town in the USA.” The other came from Southern Living for being “One of the Tastiest Towns of the South.”

LTPA is a private, nonprofit membership trade association that leads the private sector growth of the Louisiana tourism economy. The association provides marketing and educational opportunities and serves as the advocate, resource and voice for the tourism industry.

TRENTON, Mich. — Jennifer Petrous, outgoing president of Circle Michigan's board of directors, has received the 2011 Bill Shepler Volunteer of the Year Award.

Named after Circle Michigan charter member Bill Shepler of Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry, the award recognizes a Circle Michigan member who has provided exceptional volunteer service to the organization.

Petrous, international sales manager with the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau, chairs the Circle Michigan marketing committee, served as Circle Michigan 2010-2011 board president, has spearheaded familiarization tours of her region on behalf of Circle Michigan, recently co-chaired the Ontario Motor Coach Association (OMCA) Convention, and has served on NTA (formerly the National Tour Association) committees.

Janet Kasic, Circle Michigan executive director, announced the award in October at Circle Michigan's annual meeting.

Chris Shepler recently presented Petrous with the award at the American Bus Association Marketplace.

Julia Luckey (Grand Hotel) replaces Petrous as president of Circle Michigan's board of directors in 2012.

Rounding out the board are vice president Sarah Bernard (Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau), treasurer Melisa Brown (Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort), Sharon Koops (Added Touch Receptive), Lisa Kukulski (Discover Kalamazoo), Anne Phillips (MotorCity Casino Hotel), Heather Tamlyn (Holiday Inn Express Mackinaw City), Bruce Lynn (Whitefish Point) and Misty Martinchek (Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry).

Circle Michigan, established in 1981, serves as Michigan's group travel planning organization. About 125 Michigan attractions, hotels, casinos, restaurants, convention and visitors bureaus, transportation companies and receptive operators work together to best service group travel planners across the United States and around the world.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Opry Mills is announcing more than 60 new and returning retailers and dining options to its already-announced lineup of outlet stores.

A spokesperson said Opry Mills is on schedule to reopen as the largest outlet, value retail, shopping, dining and entertainment destination in Tennessee on Thursday, March 29. A series of celebratory events is to run through early May. 

The grand re-opening of Opry Mills comes nearly two years after the historic flood in May 2010 ravaged Nashville and submerged Opry Mills, one of Tennessee’s top tourist attractions. Construction on the property began in April 2011.

The shopping center previously said the property would include Brooks Brothers Factory Store, Coach Factory Store, Cole Haan Outlet, J.Crew Factory, Lucky Brand Outlet, Michael Kors, Nike Factory Store, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH and Tommy Bahama Outlet.

New to Opry Mills will be Crazy 8, Express, Jones New York Outlet, P.S. from Aéropostale, Sunglass Warehouse, Tilly’s and Wilk’s Dugout. The excitement continues with the return of several familiar names to Opry Mills not previously announced such as Aerie, Aéropostale, Body Central, The Children’s Place Outlet, Claire’s, dressbarn, The Finish Line, Fossil, Gap Outlet, Gymboree Outlet, Haggar, HANESbrands, Journey’s, Justice, Lane Bryant Outlet, Levi’s Outlet, Nautica Factory Store, Old Navy Outlet, Pacific Sunwear, Papaya, Rack Room Shoes, RCC Western Wear, rue21, Skechers USA Outlet, Wet Seal and Wilson’s Leather Outlet.

Other returning retailers are Bath & Body Works, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Elegance Perfumes, GNC, Opry Nail Salon, Perfumania, Spencer’s Gifts, Tennessee Sports Fan and Yankee Candle.

New and returning casual dining options include Burger King, Charley’s Grilled Subs, The Cookie Store, Dairy Queen, The Great American Cookie Company, Green Leaf’s Beyond Great, It’Sugar, Kelly’s Cajun Grill, Maki of Japan, Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt, Panda Express, Pyramids Café, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Company, Villa Fresh Italian Kitchen and Which Wich. The return of Macaroni Grill, Rainforest Café and Aquarium Restaurant will allow shoppers to enjoy full-service dining.

Five major anchors, Regal Cinemas Opry Mills Stadium 20 & IMAX, Dave & Buster’s, VF Outlet, Bass Pro Shops and Sun & Ski Sport, opened in time for the 2011 holiday season.

Opry Mills is located seven miles from downtown Nashville, between Interstates 40 and 65, and is within walking distance of the Grand Ole Opry and the 2,800-room Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center.

For the latest information about the ongoing restoration process at Opry Mills, call (615) 514-1000 or visit www.oprymills.com. Opry Mills also may be found on Facebook (www.facebook.com/OpryMills) and on Twitter @shoprymills.

ALEXANDRIA, Va.—The United Motorcoach Association (UMA) has named two speakers on safety for the 2012 UMA Motorcoach EXPO scheduled for early February.

Deborah A. P. Hersman, chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Anne Ferro, administrator for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), will both present at the Legislative and Regulatory Update session at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, Calif.

This will be Hersman’s first visit to the EXPO since being named chairman of the NTSB in 2009. To allow her to experience the latest safety technologies being utilized on coaches, UMA has arranged for her to be transported from Los Angeles International Airport to Long Beach on a new MCI featuring advanced safety technologies.

"On her ride from LAX, she will have the opportunity to see firsthand how new safety technology is being utilized to ensure motorcoaches continue to be the safest form of travel,” said Victor Parra, UMA president and CEO.

Hersman was awarded a plaque at the 2005 UMA Motorcoach EXPO for her support of industry safety initiatives during her years with the Senate commerce committee.

"Chairman Hersman has long been a strong advocate of bus and motorcoach safety, and we are thrilled to have her join us," he said.

It will be Ferro’s third EXPO appearance since becoming FMCSA administrator.

At FMCSA, Ferro's vision has been to eliminate severe crashes and fatalities involving large trucks and buses.

“Administrator Ferro’s participation signifies the importance and relevance of this annual event, and her commitment to our industry," Parra said.

UMA's Motorcoach EXPO 2012 is scheduled for Feb. 8-12 with a focus on elevating the industry.  The event will feature new and timely education sessions on topics critical to motorcoach professionals, as well as 150 industry suppliers on the tradeshow floor and a variety of networking and social functions open to all attendees.
 
To learn more about EXPO or to register, visit www.motorcoachexpo.com or call (800) 424-8262.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A joint online venture by the American Bus Association and the Ontario Motor Coach Association is pushing to better connect motorcoaches, tour operators and suppliers in the travel trade with the consumer public to enhance business for the group and package travel industry.

GroupConnect is the business-to-business website portal that tout itself as the largest network of tour and motorcoach operators in North America. GroupTravelConnect and CharterBusConnect are business-to-consumer websites as part of the combined effort the Washington, D.C.-based ABA and Etobicoke, Ontario-based OMCA.

GroupConnect is operations-oriented, and is about saving time in tour planning, said Tony Funderburg, vice president of sales and marketing for the consolidated efforts. CharterBusConnect is designed for chartering buses. GroupTravelConnect is a public tour website that is searchable and trackable, with itineraries listed, bookings directly to the companies and no commissions for the website.

GroupConnect was started in 2009 to expedite lead generation, itinerary development, business-to-business exposure and aid in regional tourism tracking. CharterBusConnect (started in November 2010) and GroupTravelConnect (started in April 2011) are affiliated websites of GroupConnect, designed to make motorcoach charters and group travel industry services more accessible to the public.

“We’re opening things up more for our members,” Funderburg said. “For instance, for destination research, CVBs and DMOs can add videos, pictures, itineraries, etc. … For the tour market, it’s a giant step ahead. …

“We’re buying (Google Ad Words and) keywords and we’re (SEO) optimizing the site. … We’d do more, perhaps, but we’ve got to be budget-conscious, too.”

The cost to ABA and OMCA members is $79 annually for an “enhanced” listing, Funderburg said. All members get a directory listing automatically with their association memberships.

Web traffic and the resulting business for members of the associations has been consistently growing since the sites were launched, said Ann Fairley, OMCA vice president.

The results and impact are being noticed by others, too.

“This is a social network for the (group travel) community,” said Patricia Brusha, principal and co-founder of Toronto-based A Couple of Chicks digital marketing firm, which works with travel professionals.

Currently, GroupTravelConnect averages about 10,000 visitors per month, Funderburg said today. "That number continues to climb every month."

It, like the other sites, has an online search engine pointing visitors to ABA and OMCA members. An improved tracking component is being worked on. An app is also in development, he said.

“What we want to do is create more business opportunities,” said Funderburg, who has been with the venture since September 2010. “By doing that, it creates more value.”

Some trends can be spotted through the data being generated by the three websites, he said.

For instance, “we found that there’s quite a demand for booking motorcoaches to attend Buffalo Bills (NFL) games from Toronto,” Funderburg said. “Who knew?”

The toll-free telephone number for GroupConnect is (866) 644-1664.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — “It’s a Sure Bet” is the theme of the 30th annual Travel South Showcase scheduled March 4-7, 2012, in Louisville, with registrations still being accepted for qualified tour operators.

Travel South Showcase is an invitation-only marketplace for qualified operators interested in selling tour programs to and within Travel South USA's 11-state region — Kentucky, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

A "Come On Down" special offer for tour operators to register for the Travel South Showcase has been extended to Feb. 3, 2012, said Rob Nolen, director of partnerships and event sales for Travel South USA. 

“Travel South Showcase can bring you more business and great contacts,” said Liz Bittner, Travel South USA executive director.

Operators can choose from pre–tours Getting Lucky in Kentucky, Kentucky Arts & Heritage, Kentucky Bourbon Country or Kentucky Unbridled Horsepower. After the Showcase, tour operators can choose from Mountain Mozarts, Back Porch Picassos and the Van Gogh of “Going Fast!,” Tennessee Music & More or the West Virginia Sampler.

“These stellar destinations open up many new options to plan exciting and unique tours for students and Baby Boomers alike,” Bittner said. “If your clients love food, music, festivals, sporting events, breathtaking sightseeing, history, and culture combined with the best of Southern hospitality, you can’t miss an opportunity to experience one of these tours — then share with your clients.”

Only registered and qualified tour operators who take appointments during Travel South Showcase are eligible, with a maximum of two people per company on one tour. All tours depart from and return to Louisville.

Tour operators may register directly or get more details by calling (404) 231-1790 or emailing Showcase@TravelSouthUSA.com.  All registrations for the Travel South Showcase are subject to committee approval.

Travel South USA is based in Atlanta.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum has opened the year-long exhibition "Fly Marines! The Centennial of Marine Corps Aviation: 1912-2012."

The exhibition consists of 91 works of art selected from the Marine Corps Art Program, which has more than 8,000 works and is managed by the National Museum of the Marine Corps. It runs through Jan. 6, 2013.

The works on display range from art for recruitment posters to works by master aviation artists R.G. Smith and Keith Ferris, who painted the mural Fortresses Under Fire that serves as a backdrop for the National Air and Space Museum’s World War II gallery; as well as Robert McCall, known for his aerospace art and his murals at the entrance of the museum.

Former U.S. senator and astronaut John Glenn, one of the best-known marine aviators, is featured in two portraits — a canvas by Bruce Stevenson that shows him as a young Mercury astronaut and a watercolor by Henry Casselli of him as part of the STS-95 crew — and as a bronze bust from 1968 by Felix W. De Weldon, the sculptor who created the Iwo Jima Memorial.

The exhibition traces the history of Marine Corps aviation from its origins, starting with the poster art for "Fly with the U.S. Marines" (1920) by leading American artist and illustrator Howard Chandler Christy and a depiction of the first Marine aviator, Lt. Alfred A. Cunningham flying a Wright B-1 float plane in 1912 by Col. Horace Avery Chenoweth, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. It includes scenes of combat and artifacts from World War I up to the conflict in Afghanistan.

The National Air and Space Museum is located on the National Mall at Sixth Street and Independence Avenue SW.

The museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is located in Chantilly, Va., near Washington Dulles International Airport.

Both facilities are open daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closed Dec. 25). Admission is free, but there is a $15 fee for parking at the Udvar-Hazy Center.

For more details on groups and tours, visit online at http://www.nasm.si.edu/visit/tours/ or call the Tours and Reservations Office at (202) 633-2563.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The senior historian and National Historic Landmarks program manager for the National Park Service’s Southeast Region has been named program coordinator for the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 Commemoration, the National Park Service announced.

In her new position, Christine Arato will lead a multi-disciplinary team planning all aspects of the commemoration, which is from June through June 2015.  

The National Park Service (NPS) is coordinating with Parks Canada and the U.S. Navy on the bicentennial efforts. In mid-November, the U.S. Navy helped launch the lead-in to the commemorative activities in Baltimore.

“The War of 1812 remains in the American memory with the writing of ‘The Star Spangled Banner,’ the burning of The White House and the Battle of New Orleans,” NPS Director Jonathan Jarvis said in a statement. “But the effect of the war was felt throughout the young nation as we struggled to win a war and establish our national identity. “

The National Park Service “looks forward to working with many partners as we commemorate this critical time in our nation’s history,” he s aid.

Arato starts her new position in March, and will work out of NPS’ Northeast Regional Office in Philadelphia. Top projects for the commemoration include a new brochure, website and commemorative events, according to NPS spokesman David Barna.

A Harvard University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in European history and a master’s degree in theological studies, Arato has worked with NPS as a historian on planning efforts for New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park and Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area and as supervisor park ranger at John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site, all in Massachusetts. She has held acting assignments in NPS' Office of Legislative and Congressional Affairs and as superintendent of Horseshoe Bend National Military Park in Alabama; and has been a consultant to The World Bank.  

Arato is currently working on a book about Rose Kennedy and the imagery of motherhood in the 20th century commemorative landscape. 

More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for the United States' 397 national parks and work with communities to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky’s 2012 tourism marketing campaign was launched with the autographed stamp from a champion thoroughbred’s hoof.
 
Funny Cide, the Saratoga, N.Y.-born 11-year-old who won the 2003 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes horse races, autographed the 2012 version of the official Kentucky Visitors Guide.

The autograph session at Kentucky Horse Park launched “There’s Only One,” the newest marketing campaign by the Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism focused on attractions and opportunities unique to Kentucky.

Currently, the campaign includes 31 sites and possibilities in Kentucky. For a complete “There’s Only One” list, visit www.kentuckytourism.com/explore/top_attractions.aspx

“Travelers are seeking memorable and authentic experiences that exist in only one place,” said Mike Cooper, Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism commissioner. “Kentucky is blessed with many of those.”

The campaign kickoff occurred at one of the 31 attractions and where Funny Cide is stabled in retirement. Also in attendance were Jack Knowlton, managing partner of Sackatoga Stable, Funny Cide’s ownership; John Nicholson, Kentucky Horse Park’s executive director; and Marcheta Sparrow, secretary of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet.

The campaign is to hit web, print, radio and television outlets. It is also being incorporated into all Department of Travel and Tourism efforts, including the visitors guide, the state’s website, e-newsletters, social media, welcome centers and other communications.

Tourism is an $11.3 billion industry supporting 170,000 jobs in Kentucky, Sparrow said.

For more details on Kentucky tourism, visit: www.kentuckytourism.com.

Nashville — Two of the biggest names in Tennessee tourism are teaming up to bring a major family entertainment zone to Nashville. Gaylord Entertainment and Dolly Parton’s Dollywood Company have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for a 50/50 joint venture to develop a 114-acre family entertainment zone adjacent to the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. The Dollywood Company will serve as the operating partner.

Phase one of the project is a yet unnamed approximately $50 million water and snow park, the first of its kind in the United States. A late 2012 or early 2013 groundbreaking date is expected with the park opening slated for summer of 2014.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Nashville Mayor Karl Dean joined Dolly Parton and Colin V. Reed, chairman and chief executive officer, for Gaylord Entertainment at yesterday’s announcement at the Grand Ole Opry House at Gaylord Opryland.

“Tourism is the second largest industry in Tennessee, generating more than a billion dollars in tax revenue annually and employing more than 170,000 Tennesseans,” Haslam said. “This project will be a welcome addition to the wide variety of attractions and destinations across our great state, and I applaud the collaboration and spirit that has led to this announcement.”

The water and snow park will anchor the project, which offers room for future expansion. The park will provide a mix of high-energy water activities for the summer season and designated snow activities for winter play. Once open, first year attendance is projected at 500,000, a large portion of which will come from out of state, bringing in substantial tourism revenue to Tennessee and Nashville. Dollywood expects to employ 450 full- and part-time employees.

“I’m so excited about this opportunity,” Parton said. “I am confident that partnering my Dollywood Company with a great company like Gaylord will create something truly special. We’re all working on new types of entertainment to do in the daytime and nighttime for the whole family so we bring new folks to the area year-round.”

Based in the picturesque Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood is a 150-acre family adventure park which operates nine months a year (late March through December) and offers more than 40 rides and attractions; award-winning live entertainment featuring country, bluegrass, gospel and mountain music; and a dozen crafters authentic to the East Tennessee region. Dollywood also includes the 35-acre Dollywood’s Splash Country, voted America’s “Must-See Waterpark.” Dollywood offers all-inclusive vacation planning with a variety of overnight lodging options. For more information, call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD or visit dollywood.com.

Gaylord Entertainment, a leading hospitality and entertainment company based in Nashville, Tenn., owns and operates Gaylord Hotels (www.gaylordhotels.com), its network of upscale, meetings-focused resorts and the Grand Ole Opry (www.opry.com), the weekly showcase of country music's finest performers for 85 consecutive years. The company's entertainment brands and properties include the Radisson Hotel Opryland, Ryman Auditorium, General Jackson Showboat, Gaylord Springs Golf Links, Wildhorse Saloon, and WSM-AM. For more information about the company, visit www.GaylordEntertainment.com.