The Dixie Carter PAC Hosts NWTN’s Inaugural Cornerstone Tourism Awards

The Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center has partnered with the Northwest Tennessee Tourism Association (NWTN Tourism) to announce the launch of NWTN’s Inaugural Cornerstone Tourism Awards, an event dedicated to celebrating excellence in tourism across Northwest Tennessee. The awards ceremony is Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 6 p.m. at The Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center in Huntingdon.

This premier event celebrates excellence in tourism across Benton, Carroll, Crockett, Dyer, Gibson, Henry, Lake, Obion, and Weakley counties, recognizing individuals, businesses, organizations, and other entities that contribute to making Northwest Tennessee a top destination.

“The Dixie is thrilled to be the venue for the Cornerstone Awards, and we look forward to celebrating the very best of Northwest Tennessee!” said Angela DeMaris, executive director of The Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center. “This evening will be filled with quality entertainment and networking opportunities for tourism professionals alike—you don’t want to miss it!”

Attendees will enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres served from multiple local eateries, live music from Leslie and Brooke Cooper of 24 Seven, and an energetic program hosted by Suzanne Harper and Courtney Echols of Extra Credit Team Solutions. Based in Martin. Extra Credit Team Solutions is a leadership and teamwork consulting company founded by two former coworkers turned best friends. Known for their flash, flair, hot pink vibes, and love of bubbles, Suzanne and Courtney bring energy and excitement to every team they work with.

Award Categories

The Cornerstone Tourism Awards will recognize outstanding contributions in three key categories:

Experience Awards: Honoring top businesses in lodging, dining, shopping, attractions, events/festivals, and venues.

Individual Awards: Celebrating dedicated professionals and volunteers in tourism, including special Volunteer and Emerging Excellence Awards.

Partner Awards: Recognizing outstanding Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) and tourism partners that actively support and promote the industry.

Nominations
Now Open!

Nominations for the Cornerstone Tourism Awards are open to everyone and begins online on Thursday, February 20, 2025. All nominations must be fully completed to be eligible. The deadline for submissions is Friday, March 14, 2025, at 5 p.m. CST.

To nominate online, visit www.nwtntourism.com/cornerstone-awards.

Tickets, Sponsorship Opportunities

Tickets for the Cornerstone Tourism Awards will be available for purchase through The Dixie’s website beginning Monday, March 3, 2025, at 10 a.m.

The Northwest Tennessee Tourism Association also invites businesses and organizations to support this exciting new event through sponsorship opportunities. This is a unique chance to gain exposure and show support for the thriving tourism industry in Northwest Tennessee.

For more information about nominations, sponsorship opportunities, or event details, visit www.nwtntourism.com/cornerstone-awards or contact Kasey Muench at kasey@nwtntourism.com.

Join us in celebrating the people and places that make Northwest Tennessee an unforgettable destination!