Excellence in Tourism Awards
(North Platte, Nebraska, February 1, 2025) – Annually, visitors in Lincoln County, Nebraska spend more than $121 million, generate over $10 million in state and local taxes, and support approximately 1,530 jobs with a payroll of just under $35 million. Our local tourism partners – hotels, restaurants, retail, attractions, and events continued to greet visitors with warmth, hospitality, and professionalism throughout all of 2024.
During the Excellence in Tourism Luncheon scheduled for May 7, 2025, Visit North Platte will be presenting five ‘Excellence in Customer Service’ awards. The categories for these awards are: Excellent Service within a Hotel, Excellent Service within a Restaurant, Excellent Service within a Retail Establishment, Excellent Service at an Event, and Excellent Service within an Attraction. In addition to the five Excellence in Tourism awards, Volunteer of the Year and Hero of Tourism awards will be presented.
Annually, nearly 600,000 visitors will make the trip to North Platte. What attracts these visitors, keeps them coming back, and inspires them to tell their friends to visit North Platte? North Platte’s events and attractions are part of the equation, but the single most important factor in making visitors feel welcome and have a positive experience is excellent customer service.
The nominees for the Excellence in Customer Service Awards will be employees (or volunteers) in any of the above categories within Lincoln County who go above and beyond expectations. Anyone who has experienced an employee exhibiting exceptional customer service skills is encouraged to submit an award nomination. Nominees for Volunteer of the Year and Hero of Tourism will be individuals who have made a significant contribution to the tourism industry in Lincoln County.
Nominations can be from locals experiencing excellent customer service at their favorite local spot or someone traveling through getting a taste of North Platte’s Canteen Spirit! Self-nominations and anonymous nominations will also be accepted! Nominations are now closed for the 2025 Excellence in Tourism Awards.
Previous Winners
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Hero of Tourism: Jeff Boeka, Wilkinson Companies

Volunteer of the Year: Mick Jesse, Golden Spike Tower, State Golf at Lake Maloney, & Other Local Entities

John Martin, Cody Park Railroad Museum

Excellent Service at an Event: Rob Martinson, Fort Cody Summer Music Series

Excellent Service within a Hotel: Vonnie Hebblethwaite, Susan Seifer, Shelby Post, Kathy Thornton, and Shaney Clang, Holiday Inn Express

Excellent Service within a Restaurant: Amanda Huebner, Einstein Bros. Bagels

Excellent Service within a Retail Establishment: Stephanie Ford, Dunham's Sports
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Hero of Tourism: Nebraska State Senator, Mike Jacobson

Lifetime Achievement Award: David Fudge, NEBRASKAland Days

Volunteer of the Year: Cheri and Al Erickson, Wava Best, Betty Sones, & Judy Thompson, Prairie Arts Center

Tyler Sexon, NPIce
Excellent Service at an Event: Dusty Barner, Dusty Trails Spring Birding Tours

Excellent Service within a Hotel: Craig Warneke, Best Western Plus, Accepted on His Behalf by Beth Hoskins.

Excellent Service within a Restaurant: Chris Lane, Boss' Pizza and Chicken

Excellent Service within a Retail Establishment: Michelle Wilson, Kwik Stop
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Hero of Tourism: Matthew Pederson, Pederson Law Office

Volunteer of the Year: Barb Baldridge, North Platte Pickleball

Excellent Service at an Event: Char Swalberg, North Platte Pow Wow

Excellent Service within a Hotel: Charlotte Korn, Holiday Inn Express

Excellent Service within a Restaurant: Daniel Mages, North 40 Chophouse

Excellent Service within a Retail Establishment: Kelli Nisley, Oasis Travel Center
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Hero of Tourism: Jennifer Priest, Super 8

Volunteer of the Year: Downtown Association Board

Excellent Service at an Event: Jason Bryant, Flatrock Baseball

Excellent Service within a Hotel: Arlene Markley, Hampton Inn

Excellent Service within a Restaurant: Pals Brewing Company

Excellent Service within a Retail Establishment: Sarah Talbott, The Flower Market
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Hero of Tourism: Kirsten Parker, Golden Spike Tower

Volunteer of the Year: Elena Ramos, Buffalo Bill Brawl Boxing Tournament


Excellent Service at an Event: D&N Event Center

Excellent Service within a Hotel: Irene Pearson, Tru by Hilton

Excellent Service within a Restaurant: The Cedar Room

Excellent Service within a Retail Establishment: Jeff Caldwell, Whitetail Cycle Sport
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Hero of Tourism: Dusty Barner, Dusty Trails

Volunteer of the Year: Jack Morris, NEBRASAland Days Buffalo Bill Rodeo


Excellent Service at an Event: Christmas Village Committee, Lincoln County Historical Museum

Excellent Service within a Hotel: Tammy Burkert, Tru by Hilton

Excellent Service within a Restaurant: Lori Bergman, Double Dips Ice Creamery

Excellent Service within a Retail Establishment: Brittany Jepsen & Aaron Adams, Brittany's Boutique