The West Virginia Department of Tourism honored the recipients of the prestigious Mountain State Award for Economic Development during the 2024 Governor’s Conference on Tourism. Tygart Hotel, Woodlands Development & Lending and Taylor Hospitality were recognized for their exceptional contributions to the tourism industry in West Virginia.
The annual Stars of Almost Heaven Awards, organized by the West Virginia Department of Tourism, aim to acknowledge industry partners from across the state for their remarkable achievements in advertising, marketing, public relations and their overall impact on the tourism sector. A committee of marketing experts and professionals voted on the award nominations.
West Virginia Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby expressed her enthusiasm for the Stars of Almost Heaven awards ceremony.
“This event allows tourism professionals from around the state to gather and reflect on all the great work we are doing to promote West Virginia as a top-tier travel destination. Governor Justice was awarded the Oshel Craigo Lifetime Achievement Award, which couldn’t be more fitting for the tourism industry’s biggest cheerleader over the past seven years. Congratulations to all of our winners and a big thank you to our wonderful industry partners who work tirelessly to make Almost Heaven a better place to live, work and travel,” Ruby said.
The Mountain State Award for Economic Development, one of the most prestigious accolades of the evening, recognizes an event, facility or business that has significantly enhanced local resources through multi-business cooperatives and innovative development efforts. Emphasis is placed on initiatives that generate employment opportunities and foster entrepreneurship.
Elkins-Randolph County Tourism CVB Director Anne Beardslee praised the Tygart Hotel project.
“This 2024 Stars of Almost Heaven award recognizes the outstanding efforts in enhancing local resources through innovative development and multi-business cooperatives. The Tygart Hotel project is a shining example of this success. This endeavor has also created a wonderful tourist attraction while breathing new life into a historical building while creating new jobs and opportunities for entrepreneurship,” Beardslee said.
Sean Taylor, CEO of Taylor Hospitality, expressed his pride in partnering with Woodlands Development & Lending.
“We are incredibly proud to be partners with the owners of the Tygart Hotel, Woodlands Development & Lending, in this remarkable endeavor. This collaboration exemplifies the spirit of community-driven progress that defines the region. Together, we revitalized a historic space in downtown Elkins while also creating new opportunities for the workforce, which is helping drive economic growth. It’s an honor to see our collective efforts recognized with the Mountain State Award for Economic Development,” Taylor said.
The West Virginia Department of Tourism commends Tygart Hotel, Woodlands Development & Lending and Taylor Hospitality for their outstanding achievements and their commitment to making West Virginia’s tourism industry thrive. These deserving recipients of the Mountain State Award for Economic Development have set a high standard for excellence and innovation in the state.
