STATE COLLEGE, PA, Nov. 12, 2024 – The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB) recognized standouts in the Centre County tourism and hospitality community on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at the Third Annual Happy Valley Hospitality Awards.
Sponsored by Titan Park, the event drew a crowd of nearly 300 to Brass 16823 in Bellefonte for an Academy Awards-themed celebration of and thank you to Happy Valley’s hospitality industry.
“2024 was a banner year for tourism to Happy Valley, PA, both in terms of visitors and economic impact,” said HVAB President and CEO Fritz Smith. “The efforts of those on the front lines of the visitor experience make it possible for The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau to confidently market the Centre County has a premier, four-season Mid-Atlantic destination. We thank each and everyone one for choosing hospitality and tourism as a profession, and caring about the work they do in support of tourism.”
The HVAB received a record 64 nominations in seven categories. An independent committee selected the finalists and winners.
The 2024 recipients of Happy Valley Hospitality Awards are:
- Volunteer of the Year – Renea Nash Nichols for her service to Eagle Ironworks and Curtin Village, and Union Cemetery.
- Festival/Event of the Year – Centre Film Festival
- Tourist Attraction of the Year – Nittany Meadow Farm
- Rising Star – Erin Pugh, General Manager, Hublersburg Inn
- Excellence in Tourism/Hospitality Leadership – Lucy Rogers, Tasting Room Manager, Big Spring Spirits
- Excellence in Tourism/Hospitality Service – Mike Tedesco, owner,Happy Valley Nomadic Spirits
- Excellence in Tourism/Hospitality Teamwork – Casie Garber and Asia Pilger, Assistant Innkeepers, The Queen Bed & Breakfast
In addition, the HVAB honored the 2024 recipients of the Peter J. Walker Spirit of Hospitality Award, named in honor of the late, beloved manager of Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park.
This year’s recipients were Liz Grove, owner of Pine Grove Hall and the newly opened Flour & Stone restaurant, and Gary Brandeis, CEO and Founder, Scholar Hotel Group.
“As we reflected on the highlights of the past year – and there were many – we realized that the local tourism and hospitality industry has amazing champions,” said Jennifer Brooks-Stahl, General Manager of the Wyndham Garden State College and Chair of the HVAB Board of Directors. “We were thrilled to recognize two individuals whose commitments to and investments in Centre County are positively contributing to our vibrant tourism landscape and thriving communities. They are both demonstrated ambassadors for Happy Valley, and equally deserving of the Peter J. Walker Spirit of Hospitality Award. `
In addition to Titan Park, sponsors included Hello Social Co., Blink, 3Twenty9 Design, Central PA Tasting Trail, Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County and Amplify Video.
