Visit Saint Paul Names Award Winners at 2014 Annual Meeting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 22, 2014

Contact:
Adam Johnson, Vice President of Marketing & Communications
P: 651.265.4904 | C: 651.226.5403 | ajohnson@visitsaintpaul.com

Lisa Huber, Marketing & Media Relations Manager
P: 651.265.4907 | C: 612.396.3864 | lhuber@visitsaintpaul.com

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Visit Saint Paul, the city’s official convention & visitors bureau, recognized four award winners for supporting tourism during the organizations Annual Meeting on Thursday, April 16, at Landmark Center. They are: Xcel Energy, Inc. as Partner of the Year, Covington Inn Bed & Breakfast as Member of the Year, Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon as Event of the Year and Mike Hahm, Director of Parks & Recreation for the City of St. Paul as “Hometown Hero.”

Through Xcel Energy Inc’s support, downtown Saint Paul is brightened up during the winter months by a tree as tall and bright as the iconic Rockefeller Center tree in New York City, adorned by 15,000 energy-efficient LED lights. Rice Park powered by Xcel Energy creates a gorgeous backdrop for downtown events and is a destination for visitors and residents, alike.

The Covington Inn Bed & Breakfast is one of only a few floating bed and breakfasts in America. Liz Miller has run the B&B since 2004 and has been a full-fledged supporter of Visit Saint Paul in showcasing the city to bring in more visitors. She has offered complimentary rooms for journalists, hosted tours and is providing a full boat rental this summer when the Savvy Stews come to town to showcase Saint Paul on their popular TV show on The Daily Buzz.

The MedTronic Twin Cities Marathon finishes on the capital grounds in Saint Paul. This incredible event draws 30,000 participants and even more spectators each year. In 2013, through a partnership with the marathon, Visit Saint Paul members provided specials to runners with the “Show Your Bib” campaign. This promotion reinforced the impact that the “most beautiful urban marathon in America” has on area businesses.

Mike Hahm has been instrumental in many of the city’s largest events, from Red Bull Crashed Ice to the Back to the 50’s Car Show. In 2013, it was his dedication that helped secure the selection of Saint Paul as host of the 2017 Urban Parks Conference, which will bring an international collection of 2,000 parks professionals to the city.

“Every year, we are delighted to honor those who have made a significant impact on Saint Paul as a convention and tourist destination,” said Terry Mattson, President & CEO of Visit Saint Paul. “This year we are proud to honor Xcel Energy, the Covington Inn, the Twin Cities Marathon and the hard work of Mike Hahm with the Saint Paul Parks & Recreation Department.”

About Visit Saint Paul:

Visit Saint Paul, formerly the Saint Paul Convention & Visitors Authority, was founded in 1927 as the Saint Paul Convention and Visitors Bureau, making it one of the oldest destination marketing organizations in the United States. The mission of the organization is to generate economic growth for Saint Paul by effectively marketing the RiverCentre campus, Saint Paul and the region as a preferred convention and tourism destination. Visit Saint Paul oversees management of the Saint Paul RiverCentre Convention Center and Legendary Roy Wilkins Auditorium.