April 26--The Fort Smith Convention and Visitors Bureau announced winners of the 2013 GRIT Awards (Giving Recognition in Tourism) on Thursday night in a ceremony held at one of its winners, the MovieLounge.

The popular film, food and entertainment venue at 7601 Rogers Ave., was named Restaurant Partner of the Year in the second annual awards competition.

The awards are given in honor of contributions to the local tourism and hospitality industry. Other GRIT Award winners were:

--Courtyard by Marriott, Lodging Partner of the Year.

--Fort Smith Museum of History, Attraction Partner of the Year.

--Richard Griffin and Rick Griffin, Business Partner of the Year.

A tie was declared and two awards given for the Polly Crews Hospitality Person of the Year designation. Baridi and Tonya Nkokheli and Dr. Art Martin claimed the honors.

Martin, who died in January at age 95, was a history enthusiast and is credited with reviving the Fort Smith Trolley system through the Fort Smith Trolley Museum. He was also involved in activities of the historic Clayton House.

The Nkokhelis have also been active in promoting Fort Smith's heritage. Both belong to the Bass Reeves Legacy Initiative, a project that worked to fund the creation and display of a statue honoring the frontier lawman that stands at Pendergraft Park on Garrison Avenue. Baridi Nkokheli regularly appears throughout the community in his portrayal of Reeves, a U.S. deputy marshal for Judge Isaac Parker.

The CVB also showcased the past year's Hometown Hospitality Heroes, groups or individuals who brought to town or hosted tourism events in 2012.

These recipients are: Mackey Yocum and Becky Neighbors for their work and assistance with the United Methodist Church State Convention; Susan Fiori for her work on the River Valley Feis, Irish Dance competition for youths; Robbie Bryant, for his work on the Slamily Reunion, Arkansas' largest custom car, truck and bike show; and Mike McKeown, for his work on bringing the "Southeast Global Shootout," a youth baseball tournament to Fort Smith.

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