Winners Circle

The Winners Circle Award originated in 2004 in an effort to recognize communities, organizations, events and people in the tourism industry that have made significant and continuing contributions to the growth and success of North Carolina’s tourism industry. The award is given annually, and is presented at the Visit NC 365 Conference on Tourism, the largest gathering of the state’s tourism industry leaders.

2023

Liz Bittner — Travel South USA
Rolf Blizzard — Turnpike Properties
Chris Cavanaugh — Magellan Strategy Group

2022

Deborah Holt Noel — "North Carolina Weekend," PBS North Carolina
Vince Chelena — NC Tourism Industry Association

2021

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 Visit NC 365 was held virtually. No awards were presented.

2020

John Harris — Kitty Hawk Kites
Scott Mason — WRAL
Marla Tambellini — Explore Asheville

2019

Mary Baggett Martin — Blockade Runner
Fussell Family — Duplin Winery

2018

Harris Prevost — Grandfather Mountain
Dr. Dana Clark — Appalachian State University
Chuck Hobgood — N.C. Amateur Sports
Tanya Jones — Surry Arts Council

2017

Jean Beasley — Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center
Jim Early — N.C. Barbecue Society
A.C. Hall — Atlantis Lodge

2016

Alice Aumen — Catalochee Ranch
Steve Woody — Great Smoky Mountains National Park Service
Houck Medford — Blue Ridge Parkway National Park Service
Mickey Gregory — Lumberton CVB

2015

Bill Russ — Photographer
Reg Jones — U.S. Golf Association
Tom Pashley — Pinehurst Resort

2014

Richard Petty — Richard Petty Racing
Horace Holden — Nantahala Outdoor Center
Payson and Aurelia Kennedy — Nantahala Outdoor Center
Ron Kimble — Charlotte Deputy City Manager

2013

Bill Vassar — EUE Screen Gems Studio
Mikie Wall — Wilmington and Beaches CVB
Lynn Minges — N.C. Restaurant and Lodging Association

2012

Jim Hobbs — N.C. Hospitality Alliance
Mary Jaeger-Gale — Chimney Rock State Park
Charles Shelton — Shelton Vineyards
Richard Childress — Richard Childress Racing

2011

Dr. Larry Wheeler — N.C. Museum of Art
Bill Cecil Jr. — Biltmore
Gary Everhardt — National Park Service & Blue Ridge Parkway

2010

Capt. Dave Scheu — Battleship N.C.
Spencer Robbins — Tweetsie Railroad and others
Bill Hensley — N.C. Division of Tourism and others

2009

John & Fay Cooper — Mast General Store
Reyn Bowman — Durham CVB
Betty & David Huskins — Smoky Mtn. Host/Advantage West
Dr. Larry Gustke — N.C. State University

2008

Frank Capra Jr. — Screen Gems Studio
Bob McCoy — Winston-Salem CVB
Grady & Reba Moretz — Appalachian Ski Mountain
Todd Morse — Chimney Rock
Bruton Smith — Lowe’s (Charlotte) Motorspeedway

2007

Judith Grizzel — Cape Fear Coast CVB
Dave Heinl — Greater Raleigh CVB
Peggy Kirk Bell — Mid-Pines & Pine Needles

2006

Doug Stafford — Griffin Stafford, LLC / Charlotte CVB/Speedway
Bernie Mann — Our State Magazine
Phil Kirk — NCCBI

2005

Craig Madison — Grove Park Inn
Steve Miller — Biltmore
Jack Goldstein — Carteret County

2004

Humpy Wheeler — Lowe’s Motorspeedway
Jerry Richardson — Carolina Panthers
Hugh Morton — Grandfather Mountain