BIG ARTS Recognized by Chrysalis Award for Cultural Achievement

May 23, 2011 - PRLog -- Thursday, May 19, The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB) and the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Inc. honored eight local individuals and businesses at the second annual Celebration of Business & Tourism Awards Luncheon and Trade Show at Harborside Event Center in downtown Fort Myers. BIG ARTS won the award for
Cultural Achievement.

The 2011 honorees were celebrated for their positive impact on the local community. Winners included Business Development: Miromar Outlets; Eco-Innovation: Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa; Education: HSA Engineers & Scientists; Sports MVP: Ron Riley, Caloosa Catch and Release, Inc.; Sales & Marketing: Kathleen Hoover, Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum. Dan Baggot of Southwest Florida Distributing, Publishing & Mailing, and Colleen DePasquale of Courtyard by Marriott were honored with Junonia Awards.

The 64 nominees were judged on innovation in their respective category, how they have distinguished themselves in the community, the results of their efforts to promote the destination, their contributions to business and tourism partnerships for the overall benefit of the county, and their work to foster growth and sustainability.

The VCB Junonia Award, was created in 2006 to recognize individuals in tourism who have demonstrated unique capabilities, leadership, commitment, and dedication throughout the local tourism community.The trade show and luncheon celebrated the value of tourism and the community teamwork involved in maintaining and enhancing tourism as a major economic engine for the county, as that industry contributes $2.5 billion to the local economy and employs nearly one in five Lee County residents. It was held to commemorate National Travel and Tourism Week as part of the VCB’s year-round Team Tourism informational program to strengthen destination teamwork.    

BIG ARTS is a “home for all the arts” with three venues on Sanibel; Schein Performance Hall and galleries at BIG ARTS Center, Herb Strauss Theater, and the Gallery and Gift Shop on Periwinkle. Classical, jazz, and popular music; dance; visual arts; lectures; film; live theater; classes, youth programs and workshops – BIG ARTS has something for everyone.
   
BIG ARTS mission is to provide quality cultural and educational experiences to the residents of and visitors to Sanibel, Captiva and neighboring communities. From musical concerts, dance performances, family entertainment, visual arts exhibits and programs, writers conferences, lectures series, film and live theater productions, arts and educational classes and workshops, BIG ARTS is known as a home for all the arts. For more information go to http://www.bigarts.org/, stop by BIG ARTS at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel or call Marks Box Office at (239) 395-0900.

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Whether your interest is in classical, jazz, or popular music; dance; the visual arts; lectures; film or live theater; or in attending a class or workshop – BIG ARTS has something for everyone! BIG ARTS serves Sanibel, Captiva and Southwest Florida.