Debbie Wilson Long-time STS member Debbie Wilson, director of the Florence/Lauderdale (Ala.) CVB, is a budding author. She writes about her brother's triumphs and struggles in “Brushing Away the Tears.”





Susan Thomas Susan Thomas, vice president of The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Visitors and Convention Bureau, has been named a Destination Champion by the Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI). The honor was presented at DMAI's annual convention in Atlanta. Ms. Thomas was also noted for her tireless effort and dedication to destination marketing and excellence in research.

The Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLTA) has been named 2009 Organization of the Year by the Alabama Tourism Department. Criteria for the award include outstanding performance, outstanding economic impact statistics, quality and effectiveness of marketing efforts. The Organization of the Year is among 13 for 2009 that comprise the Alabama tourism awards.