Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality was celebrated by the Hills of Headwaters Tourism Association at their annual meeting on Wednesday, June 18, at Glen Eagle Golf Club in Caledon.

Seven Headwaters businesses and organizations were awarded top marks for their commitment to excellence in tourism and hospitality. Award winners were selected based on contribution to the local tourism industry, excellence in branding and marketing, as well as service, professionalism, and leadership in their respective sector.

Jefferson Mappin of Theatre Orangeville was selected as Tourism Ambassador of the Year from a list of nominees that included Larry Kurtz (Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival) and The Brocks (Mary Lou & Doug) from Williams Mill Visual Arts Centre.

Mr. Mappin has played a leadership role in building local awareness and support for the arts sector, having worked tirelessly with the Headwaters Art Festival, an event that rallies hundreds of artists every year in a collaborative marketing initiative unmatched in the region.

The award for Accommodation of the Year went to the Best Western Orangeville Inn and Suites, the others nominated being Unto the Hills B&B, The Stream B&B, Hockley Hills B&B and The Skyview Motel

The Best Western Orangeville Inn and Suites won for its exceptional quality, value and service, superior accommodation and achievement in filling a tourism/accommodation gap in the heart of the Hills of Headwaters region.

The Artisan of the Year award went to Monica Schut of Croi Go Lamh Studio, the other nominees being Farmhouse Pottery (Al Pace) and S. J. Pringle

Originality in Monica's work is inspired by the environment. Intrigued with texture, particularly in organic form, she carves building insulation using architectural surface material including her own "recipe" of ore from Ontario mines. She has contributed to the local tourism industry by participating for many years in local events including the Hills of Erin Studio Tour, the Headwaters Arts Festival and is a founding member of Headwaters Arts!

The Professional Service of the Year award went to Focus on Media, the other nominees being Glendale Veterinary Hospital, Henning Salon and Echohill Web Site.

Bethany and Derrick from Focus on Media offer website planning, design and implementation, ad design, production of printed materials, media coaching, marketing analysis and planning. They are passionate about story telling and will help craft your own personal story to reach the local and not-so-local tourists and visitors.

The Restaurant of the Year is Juniper Grill and Wine Bar, other nominees being Bistro Riviere, Seasons on Mill Street, The Royal Ambassador/Consulate Dining Lounge, The White Truffle and Tintagels Tea Room.

Juniper Grill's proprietors Nadya and Daniel feature local in-season and organic products on their menu and their intimate knowledge of flavours is evident in everything they prepare. They offer an exceptional selection of wines, personal service and an intimate dining atmosphere.

The Attraction/Event of the Year is Market on Broadway (the Orangeville Farmers' Market). Others nominated were The Brampton Flight Centre, The Williams Mill Visual Arts Centre, Downey's Farm Market & Winery, The Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival and Theatre Orangeville

The market has long featured organic growers, seasonal produce, and small town/country charm in a friendly, fun atmosphere. Now known as Market on Broadway, this local attraction has grown over the past 17 years to become both a local and regional draw.

Broadway Farm's Market was selected as Retailer of the Year, other nominees being From the Kitchen to the Table, Gallery Gemma, Debora's Chocolate and Pear Home.

Visitors to Broadway Farms Market, in the southwest sector of the region, find top-quality farm fresh and frozen meats, gourmet foods, fine cheeses, baked goods and giftware attractively displayed in an upscale country market setting.

Tourism injects over fifty million dollars annually into the local economies of Orangeville, Shelburne, Caledon, Dufferin, Erin and Mono. Tourism development fosters conservation and preservation of a community's natural, cultural, historic resources, and encourages community beautification and revitalization.