University receives Spirit of Tourism Award

UW–Madison received the 2005 Augie Faulkner Spirit of Tourism Award from the Greater Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) at the organization’s annual business briefing on May 12.

The award is given to an organization that is a champion of the GMCVB and the area tourism industry. It was established in memory of the late August Faulkner, who owned and managed The Edgewater hotel in Madison and played an important role in the establishment of the Convention and Visitors Bureau as a stand-alone destination marketing organization.

“The university draws thousands and thousands of visitors to the community each year,” said GMCVB executive director Deb Archer in presenting the award.

“We all know that its own athletic events are key draws, but the athletic department also sanctions the use of its facilities for other major events, such as the WIAA tournaments and Drum Corps International, which will return to Camp Randall next year.”

Archer said that in addition to UW–Madison being an important tourism destination, its faculty and staff help to bring meetings, conventions, events and national publicity to the city.

“The university and its athletic department have been instrumental in so many of our initiatives,” said Archer. “We are honored to present this award to such a key partner in our efforts to promote tourism in this community.”

Accepting identical awards on behalf of the university were Vince Sweeney, senior associate athletic director, and Lori Kay, director of community partnerships.

“The university is proud to be a ‘town-and-gown’ partner with the Greater Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau in bringing visitors to both the campus and the city,” said Kay. “We expect this partnership to continue and to grow, providing even more benefits to all those involved.”