Thomas Collins, II Receives Tourism Industry's Highest Honor from Lt. Governor; Retired CVB Director Recognized with Visit Indiana Leadership Award
16 Receive Hoosier Hospitality Awards
Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC) announced that Thomas Collins, II, owner and president of the Luke Family of Brands, is the 2022 recipient of the Will Koch Indiana Tourism Leadership Award. Betty Cash received the Visit Indiana Leadership Award.
2022 Will Koch Indiana Tourism Leadership Award
Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC) announced today that Thomas Collins, II, owner and president of the Luke Family of Brands, is this year's recipient of the Will Koch Indiana Tourism Leadership Award.
The Luke Family of Brands began as a supplier of home heating fuel and has since diversified its assets. From convenience stores across the state to a popular Northwest Indiana orchard, an Indianapolis restaurant and the creation of the Indiana Dunes Pavilion, Collins, II consistently demonstrates extraordinary commitment to supporting tourism.
The Will Koch Indiana Tourism Leadership Award is presented annually and is the highest tourism honor given by the state. The award is named for the late Will Koch, long-time owner and president of Holiday World & Splashin' Safari. Visit Indiana, and the Koch family established the honor to pay tribute to Koch's many meaningful contributions to tourism, business and society.
"Collins, II is a leader in every sense of the word," Crouch said. "He has not only been instrumental in supporting Indiana tourism and economic development but also in his community service."
Collins, II supports numerous charities. His recent donation of $50,000 to the Boys and Girls Club caused a ripple effect throughout his company. Shortly after that donation, employees expressed their interest in getting involved in their communities. In response, Collins, II created a program called Serving U. Employees now have the opportunity of paid volunteer days, grants, a giving match program, community clubs, and a mentorship program for employees who serve on a Board of Directors.
"I am completely humbled by this honor," Collins, II said. "I accept this award on behalf of my family, Luke Family of Brands, the company and all the great people I work with every day."
Nominations for the Will Koch Indiana Tourism Leadership Award are submitted by community leaders and members of Indiana's travel, tourism and hospitality industry. A panel reviews submissions.
Visit Indiana Leadership Award
Betty Cash received the Visit Indiana Leadership Award. After seven years as the executive director, she retired from the Perry County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Before her role as director, Cash served on the tourism commission in Perry County for 13 years. She worked tirelessly to bring visitors to Perry County, supporting the local community and businesses. Her peers from SIRMC (Southern Indiana Regional Marketing Cooperative) nominated Cash. They group calls her an innovator, a forward-thinker, and a cheerleader.
Quote from SIRMC - "Betty leads with her heart, and her heart is most definitely tied to seeing her community and region prosper through its incredible tourism environment. Betty supports others and is always eager to lend a hand or smile. Her consistent desire to go the extra mile makes her stand out in her community and throughout the state."
2022 Hoosier Hospitality Award Winners
Time and time again, visitors express their gratitude for the wonderful start that Viri provides to their day. Through her innovation and boundless passion for her work, Viri always shoots for the stars. She has a knack for recognizing different tastes for different guests and tailoring breakfast…
Tracy treats every person who walks into her shop, Farm Girl Mercantile as a cherished friend. One of her many storied friendships… a terminally ill customer once stopped into her shop around the holidays and asked Tracy if she could return with her husband to get what might be their last holiday…
Beth truly has a servant’s heart. She approaches every client at the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites with a smile and every event with a positive attitude. Beth truly understands that what she does behind the scenes often has a larger impact and takes great pride in her work.
Known as “Mama Maria” around the Hampton Inn & Suites, Maria has been consistently providing outstanding customer service and making lasting impressions on their guests for over six years. In urgent situations, when many people would succumb to the bind they are in, Maria finds a way to follow…
Renowned for her genuine and warm interactions and meticulous attention to detail, Danielle’s dedication to the finer points of events helps her shine when challenges arise. Danielle worked tirelessly right up to the day she gave birth to her baby and her commitment to her role is truly commendable…
It’s a family affair at Dull’s Tree Farm. Tom and Kerry Dull started their Christmas tree farm in 1985 and in 2013, their son Lucas and his wife Dana Dull joined the family business to create more agritourism in the Boone County area. The business has expanded greatly over the years to include an…
Brian has been the first and last touchpoint for over eight million travelers at the Indianapolis International Airport every year for the last 20 years. Brian spearheaded the development of a plan to address long TSA lines, and not only did he make the plan, he but he also led by example and was…
The phrase “Cody knows” is frequently heard around the Honeywell office, because if Cody doesn’t know something, he will work tirelessly until he does. Once, a show was canceled the same day they were slated to perform at 2 p.m.. A tour group was already on their way to Wabash and planned to have…
Jay is often the face of the Eiteljorg Museum for its guests and exudes professionalism, courtesy, and a positive persona. The Eiteljorg Museum hosts the prestigious, nationally renowned Quest for the West Art Sale and Show. From beginning to end, Jay plays an integral role in the event and…
When Jerry was working in Continental Steel as an 18-year-old, fresh out of the Vietnam War, he never envisioned that one day he would set the vanguard for public monuments in Howard County. Jerry has been an integral piece in making the Howard County Memorial Corporation one of the most generous…
A partner to all… Lindsey’s job entailed several different roles all in one, but it was her passion for storytelling that breathed life into the projects she was a part of. From marketing, sales and public relations, Lindsey served the Indiana Foodways Alliance as a one-woman show, being the only…
Lupe frequently spends nearly half an hour in the visitor center with each group of visitors who come in curious about things to do. She loves to share all things Shipshewana, LaGrange County and Northen Indiana with visitors and goes out of her way to give thorough insight and recommendations…
A caring soul with a smile and a politeness that opens doors to people’s hearts, there are many guests who return to Conner Prairie simply for a chance to spend more time with Sarah. They take a piece of Sarah’s joy home with them. Sarah lives in Richmond, Indiana; and for nearly 40 years, she has…
From Tyler’s very first client interaction, his hospitality could be seen and felt by all. Wedding receptions are extremely detail-oriented and can many times be just as stressful., but Tyler is a coordinator a client can trust with their special day. The Dunes Pavilion Restaurant and Luke Family of…
Ashley is the kind of person that, even when you first meet her, you already feel like you know her. Her magnetic smile and personality pull you in and makes you feel at home. The phrase, “If there is anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask”, is one that Ashley time and time again proves she means…
The dedicated volunteers at the Veteran's National Memorial Shrine & Museum have turned their memorial into a high-quality, must-visit attraction for Allen County. They are extremely dedicated to honoring Hoosier Veterans and creating a place for all to learn.