A tourism campaign promoting Hermann, Visit Hermann, was recognized with the Innovator Award presented this past week during the Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Branson.

Tammy Bruckerhoff, tourism director in Hermann, developed a new website utilizing social media to bring attention to the town, according to the Missouri Division of Tourism.

And, 61st House District State Rep. Aaron Griescheimer, R-Washington, was the recipient of the group’s Legislative Award, also presented during the conference held Oct. 13-15.

The Innovator Award recognizes small Missouri tourism organizations that produce significant results on a modest budget.

Her interaction with Katy Trail Facebook pages resulted in an increase in followers on the Visit Hermann page. She regularly works with travel writers and media outlets to garner regional and national media coverage that promotes Hermann’s history and attractions.

Griesheimer was awarded the Sen. Emory Melton Legislative Award at the event.

The award recognizes legislators and members of the tourism industry who work closely with the legislative process to support Missouri’s tourism industry. They recognize the value of tourism to the state and support efforts to ensure the industry continues to flourish.

Griesheimer successfully worked to return the second Missouri River Runner train to the Amtrak schedule after it had been removed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also handled legislation that allowed qualifying restaurants to sell carry-out beverages containing alcohol.

Other tourism award winners recognized last week include:

• Hall of Fame: Gina Walsh, former Missouri 13th District Senator;

• Marketing Campaign Award: Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau;

• Pathfinder Award: Perry County Heritage Tourism’s Christmas Country Church Tour;

• Navigator Media Award: KYTV, Springfield;

• Rising Star Award: Melissa Wharton, tourism coordinator in West Plains;

• Hospitality Award: Tim Riley, director and chief curator at America’s National Churchill Museum; and,

• Film Industry Champion Award: Kathryn Swan, former 147th District Representative.

The conference hosted by the Missouri Division of Tourism featured educational workshops and guest speakers who addressed a variety of topics relevant to the tourism industry. In fiscal year 2020, Missouri welcomed 36.3 million visitors and saw a $14.5 billion economic impact.