BEATRICE, NEB. - Individuals, events, and organizations that brought tourism to southeast Nebraska are being recognized. 

On Thursday evening, Gage County Tourism awards were presented, ahead of National Travel & Tourism Week.

"We take the chance to award those business organizations or people who help bring tourism to Gage County... Whether directly or the Friend of Tourism award goes to someone who maybe brought tourism indirectly, not through their everyday job, but through their efforts, volunteerism, and everyday work."

Dakota Hurley is Tourism Coordinator for Gage County and noted appreciation for all area businesses and their efforts in bringing new faces into Gage County. 

This years recipients were:

-Rhonda Brownawell, Outstanding Frontline Employee

-Great Plains Welsh Heritage Center of Wymore, Outstanding Attraction 

-Holiday Lighted Parade, Outstanding Event

-Colleen Schoenwise of Vintage Venue, Friend of Tourism 

Hurley notes tourism as a crucial part of Gage County's economy. 

"It brings outside dollars to our county," Hurley said. "It brings outside tax revenue through lodging, stopping for fuel, stopping to by a gift, groceries, stopping for food. That is outside dollars that stay here within our county and it helps our county in various ways no matter how in which we collect that tax revenue."

Also in attendance was Nebraska Director of Tourism John Ricks who discussed the 15th Anniversary of the Nebraska Passport, which includes two Beatrice destinations in 2024... Kala's Savory Bites and Swifted Sweets and Happy Kernel.