John Dean, center left, and Hillary Brewer, center right, receive the Rising Star award for Goat Island Brewing. Tourism Board members, John Hunt, far left, and TJ Franey, far right, are the presenters.

Bloomin’ Festival founder and director Joyce Nix has been named the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center’s Tourism Professional of the Year.

The awards program, this morning at Stone Bridge Farms, recognized a wide range of individuals, businesses and events for their contributions to promoting the Cullman area.

Nix, who works at St. Bernard Preparatory School, launched the Bloomin’ Festival in 1984 as a major fundraiser for the school. The two-day festival in April, just celebrated its 33rd year and drew thousands of people locally and from several states.

“There is unlimited potential for our area,” Director of Tourism Jesse Newsom said. “I feel like the 2017-2018 is going to be a turning point for the Cullman area.”

Three areas will be targeted going forward for tourism: Smith Lake, motor coach groups and agri-tourism, he said.

Marketing Cullman as a host city, providing incentives for visitors to spend weekends or several days, is high on the local tourism agenda.

“The hard work is paying off,” Newsom said. “Partnerships with parks and recreation, focusing on local products and strategic marketing outside the area important as we go forward. Cullman has wonderful resources, amenities and it’s safe place to raise a family.”

John Hunt, tourism board chair, noted that locally-generated events are drawing large crowds to Cullman, including Rock the South continually growing.

He said Alabama has a $13.4 billion tourism industry, with Cullman County accounting for $122 million.

Other awards today in relation to tourism included:

Rising Star: John Dean of Goat Island Brewing.

Hospitality Volunteer of the Year: Larry Rowlette, Colonel Cullman portrayal.

Heart of the House: Janet Fortner, Stone Bridge Farms.

Savvy Retail Sales Associate: Libby Crider of White Willow.

Superior Service: Katie Fine of Karma’s Coffee House.

The Silver Spoon: Whitney Elliott of All Steak Restaurant.

The White Glove: Jessica O’Dell of Cullman Hampton Inn.

Exceptional Festival or Event: Rock the South.

Best Attraction: Ave Maria Grotto.

Near Nature, Near Perfect: Hurricane Creek Park.

Spirit of Cullman: Heritage Park.

Rockin’ Retailer: Van’s Sporting Goods.

Extraordinary Everyday Diner: Augusta’s Sports Grill.

Best Landscaping, Small Business: Family Cosmetic & Dentistry.

Best Landscaping, Larger Business: St. Bernard Preparatory School.

Best Curb Appeal: Cullman County Courthouse.

Best New Construction: LaQuinta Inn & Suites.

Best Restoration: C. Street Cafe.

Building a Sense of Community: Cullman Primary School Outdoor Learning Center.