Reindeer Farm wins Gold Star Award at Mat-Su CVB annual celebration of tourism industry

The Mat-Su Convention Visitors Bureau held its annual “Stars of Industry” Awards at Evangelo’s Restaurant on Thursday.

According to a news release, awards were given out in a number of categories, chief, and the last among them the Gold Star Award, which “... recognizes a business or organization that has made a significant accomplishment in the tourism industry.”

Dan McDonough, of Lifetime Adventures, presented the award to Denise Hardy of Williams Reindeer Farm.

Other prize winners included Alaska Farm Tours, which won the Cheechako Award for a “new business, entity or organization showing entrepreneurial zeal and managing to not only survive, but thrive in early years.”

The Spirit of Tourism Award, given to “...an individual or organization whose significant actions or accomplishments positively impact the tourism industry in the Mat-Su Valley” went to Hatcher Alpine Xperience.

Alpine Historical Society won the Northern Lights Award for a ‘... community or organization in the Mat-Su Borough that has distinguished itself for outstanding tourism promotion and/or community development.”

The It Happens Award went to Karen Harris of Alaska Harvest B&B, for her organization’s ability to “... take lemons and turn them into lemonade.”

The Tourism Angel Award, meant for an individual who “... has supported and assisted Mat-Su CVB and/or shown true concern for the success and growth of all members in the Mat-Su Valley,” went to Travis Taylor of Premier Alaska Tours.