Tourism Scholarships Awarded

Chelsea Woolhouse has been awarded one of two Tourism Saskatchewan Scholarships. A $500 scholarship is awarded annually to a second year SIAST Recreation and Tourism Management student. Woolhouse worked previously as Economic Development officer in Gravelbourg and served on the town’s tourism and museum boards. She was instrumental in planning the annual Summer Solstice Festival D’été. Last summer she worked at the Ness Creek Music Festival in Big River.

Troy Crowe received a $500 scholarship awarded annually to a Saskatchewan student enrolled in the Adventure Tourism & Outdoor Recreation (ATOR) program at Lakeland College in Vermillion, AB. Crowe fell in love with the outdoors after taking part in a Kinsmen Telemiracle 10-day trail ride at the age of eight. After high school, he explored the USA and Canada, inspired by the book Into the Wild by John Krauker, an adventure that ultimately led to entering the ATOR program. While there, he started riding bulls and certified as a PADI professional rescue diver.

Certified Professionals and Journeypersons Honoured

Saskatchewan’s tourism sector honoured 131 new nationally certified tourism professionals and 34 apprentices at the 18th Annual Tourism Professional Recognition Dinners, June 13 at the Travelodge Hotel Saskatoon and June 15 at the Ramada Hotel & Convention Centre in Regina.

Two honourees received special recognition at the Saskatoon dinner. Lena Mah, who worked at the Park Town Hotel in 1994, was the first person in Saskatchewan to complete a professional certification, as Bartender. Lisa Poundmaker, certified in Food and Beverage Server and Bartender at Dakota Dunes Casino, received STEC’s 2,000th certification. Both women were presented with special gifts in recognition of the milestones their professional certifications represent for tourism.

The dinners also acknowledged the contributions of 28 Saskatchewan businesses committed to employee development through National Occupational Standards and emerit Professional Certification, 36 organizations that have achieved Service Best Business designation and nine businesses recognized as Employers of Choice.

Tourism Ambassadors and Educator of the Year Announced

Three individuals received Ambassador Awards, presented at the 18th Annual Tourism Professional Recognition Dinners in Saskatoon and Regina, June 13 and 15, respectively. The awards are presented to outstanding certified professionals who demonstrate exemplary dedication to professional development in Saskatchewan’s tourism sector.

• Rita Mayes, Housekeeping Manager at the Radisson Hotel, Saskatoon, received the award for the Accommodations industry.
• Kathy Fitton, Manager of the Western Development Museum, Moose Jaw, was named Ambassador for the Recreation and Entertainment industry.
• Rob Campbell, Divisional Manager for Athabasca Catering, La Ronge, is Ambassador for the Food and Beverage Services industry.
• Sharon Hopkins, Continuing Education Consultant in the Business division and Community Services division at SIAST Woodland Campus in Prince Albert, received the Educator of the Year Award.