Customer service, volunteerism and other contributions to the community were rewarded at the recent Ketchikan Visitors Bureau awards banquet.
The Rainbird Award went to Danielle Adkins. It honors volunteers who have worked hard for KVB and the local visitor industry. According to KVB, Adkins chaired the planning committee for the bureau’s Heritage Tourism conference. She also has chaired the bureau’s marketing committee for the past three years.
The Spirit of Alaska Award went to Betty Gale of the Silver Thimble Quilt Shop. That award recognizes friendly service.
The Community Achievement Award went to the Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad. The group was honored in particular for its Personal Locator Beacon program.
The Heart of the Community Award went to Jim Kosmos of Southeast Aviation. It’s presented in appreciation for contributions to the community.
The Chinook Award went to Willie Schulz, who introduced the annual Pennock Island Swim Challenge to Ketchikan in 2004. The award honors people who made a significant impact in bringing groups to Ketchikan.
The Golden Totem Award went to Alaska Sportfishing Expeditions. That award recognizes new ideas and cooperative efforts in working with Ketchikan’s visitor industry.
KVB Director Patti Mackey was awarded the Outstanding Service Award. It recognizes outstanding contributions to the community as a whole, including the visitor industry. Alaska Department of Commerce Commissioner Susan Bell presented the award to Mackey, who didn’t know about it until the KVB awards banquet.
