Bettine honored with ‘Tourism Angel Award’

MAT-SU — Five local businesses and organizations were honored for their contributions to the tourism industry during the Mat-Su CVB’s annual awards luncheon Nov. 18 at Settlers Bay Lodge.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Mat-Su CVB, and the Tourism Angel Award honored Cindy Bettine, who was part of the group that helped found the CVB in 1986.

“Cindy has worked passionately for the growth of the tourism industry for more than 25 years now as a business owner, as a member of the Mat-Su Borough Assembly and as a private citizen,” said Bonnie Quill, executive director of the Mat-Su CVB. “She is a very deserving recipient of the Tourism Angel Award.”

Turkey Red, the downtown Palmer eatery, earned the Cheechako Award, which is handed out to a relatively new business that has not only succeeded, but thrived during its early years.

The Gold Star Award was given to the Mat-Su Health Foundation for its efforts in helping fund numerous trail programs in the Mat-Su Valley that enrich the quality of life for residents and enhance the experience for visitors.

The Northern Lights Award was given to the Chickaloon Village Traditional Council for its efforts in developing ecotourism in the Matanuska watershed.

A special Community Service Award was given to Matanuska Greenbelt Trails Association, a local group that has worked for the last three years on the Matanuska Greenbelt project, which includes a series of interconnected trails from Matanuska Lakes State Park to Crevasse Moraine and beyond.

“The group has been instrumental in installing directional signs, providing maps and generally making the trail system one of the crown jewels in the Mat-Su Valley,” Quill said.