NEWS RELEASE: For Immediate Release
Contact: Laurie McConnell
Idaho Commerce – Tourism Development
208.287.0781
laurie.mcconnell@tourism.idaho.gov
2017 Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award in Recreation and Tourism Honors Debbie Dane
COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho—October 18, 2017—Debbie Dane received the 2017 Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award in Recreation and Tourism at the opening reception for the Idaho Conference on Recreation and Tourism. Ms. Dane was unable to attend the reception; Shawn Barigar, Region IV Idaho Travel Council representative, accepted on her behalf.
As a Twin Falls resident deeply devoted to her community and state, Ms. Dane’s nearly 15 years of service in recreation and tourism have brought together individuals and communities for shared goals. Her marketing know-how, along with her drive to have businesses and individuals understand the value of tourism and the importance of customer service, have helped improve southern Idaho’s economy and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Some of Ms. Dane’s most notable contributions include:
- Working to establish a master plan for the Snake River Canyon’s North Rim Park project
- Coordinating the Southern Idaho Hospitality organization
- Participating on the Twin Falls Economic Development Ready Team
- Increasing lodging tax receipts as executive director of Southern Idaho Tourism
- Working to organize volunteers and community donations to support state parks in the region when public funding was reduced
- Volunteering as a member of the Friends of Minidoka organization
“The spirit of public engagement, customer service and community collaboration are among the qualities that make Idaho great. Debbie’s valuable efforts – which are a great testament to her passion for Idaho – have been a tremendous asset, and we can’t thank her enough for her years of dedication to advancing recreation and tourism,” Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter said.
The Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award in Recreation and Tourism is awarded to an organization and/or individual for significant contributions to developing, managing or conserving Idaho’s recreation resources, or developing, managing or promoting tourism in Idaho.