Tourism Volunteers Recognized at Annual AMBIEs Ceremony

PRESS RELEASE
September 23, 2020
For immediate release – click award winner links to view individual award press releases and photos

Contact:     Kelly Bryer, Executive Director
NH Granite State Ambassadors
603-960-0272 / kelly@nhgsa.com

Tourism Volunteers Recognized at Annual AMBIEs Ceremony

Rindge, NH – New Hampshire Granite State Ambassadors (NHGSA) recently recognized almost 100 NH tourism volunteers for their efforts at the annual AMBIEs awards luncheon held at Cathedral of the Pines on Tuesday, September 22, 2020.

New Hampshire Granite State Ambassadors (GSA’s) are volunteers, industry professionals, and residents of New Hampshire who have been trained and certified as NH information specialists who welcome the world to New Hampshire. You can find them at visitor centers, special events, chambers, and many other locations throughout the state. In their role as the friendly, knowledgeable face of New Hampshire, the Granite State Ambassador volunteers strive to help every person they meet have the best New Hampshire experience possible — building on the hard work the NH Division of Travel & Tourism, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport and our state’s chambers of commerce and marketing organizations do to invite these traveling guests here.

“Our GSAs work tirelessly throughout the year to promote NH, and we want to recognize their hard work,” said Gretchen Ziegler, Board Chair for Granite State Ambassadors. “In unprecedented times, our GSAs have continued to amaze us with their dedication to our organization,” continued Ziegler.  “COVID-19 forced us to hold our spring training via Zoom, which sparked a successful foray into online educational opportunities for our volunteers.”

Our most prestigious award, 2020 GSA of the Year, was presented to Patty Mason of Manchester; the Hospitality of the Heart award was given to Connie Loken of Hollis; the Judi Window – It’s Always Sunny in NH award recipient was Martha Clark of Hanover; and the Service Award was presented to Karen Green of Contoocook.

This year’s Special Merit Awards included The Rookie of the Year award, given to Roberta Wells of Londonderry; the Blogger Award was presented to Sarah Brown of Bow; the Industry Award recipient was Meaghan Littlefield of Bureau of Visitor Services; and the Center Manager Award was presented to Ashlee Rowley of the Lake Sunapee Region Chamber of Commerce.

“In 2019, over 320 volunteers served almost 19,000 hours assisting guests at almost 50 welcome centers and events,” said Kelly Bryer, the Executive Director for Granite State Ambassadors.  “Of these GSAs, 150 participated in additional learning opportunities including tours, activities, and meetings around the state to be sure they could give authentic and enthusiastic referrals.”

Thank you to our event sponsors: Innovision Realty Group and White Mountain Attractions

About New Hampshire Granite State Ambassadors

New Hampshire Granite State Ambassadors add value to state agencies, local businesses, and individuals through a training and service support network that sustains and enhances the New Hampshire experience. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, charitable organization, NHGSA serves hundreds of travel and tourism-related businesses.

Find out more about NHGSA, Inc. at https://nhgranitestateambassadors.org/ Our key partners are the NH Division of Travel and Tourism and the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.