| CHICAGO, March 20, 2000 - For the second year,
leaders in the city�s tourism industry took an evening off to recognize
outstanding businesses and individuals that make a daily impression on
Chicago�s $24 billion-a-year visitor business. Billed as an �Oscar-style�
event, the second annual Chicago Visitors� Choice Awards followed that
winning combination by honoring the best and the brightest and lining up
a pack of celebrities to handle awards presentations. The awards show was
held on Monday, March 20, at the Arie Crown Theater.
Lois Weisberg, commissioner of Chicago�s Department of Cultural Affairs,
was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. She is credited with making
the arts accessible to all and promoting Chicago to a worldwide audience
through its diverse arts and cultural attractions. Along with Weisberg,
15 other individuals who exemplify the best in the Chicago visitor industry
also won Chicago Visitors� Choice Awards:
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Rising Star Marilynn Kelly, Navy Pier
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Labor/Industry Supplier James Dyson, Hotel Employees Restaurant
Union Local No. 1
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Visitor Marketing Peter Hanig, Cows on Parade
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Convention/Tradeshow Tom Mobley, McCormick Place
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Leadership Jim Reilly, Chicago Convention Tourism Bureau
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Government Services James Sheahan, MPEA
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Volunteer Ted Ratcliff, The Palmer House Hilton
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Suburban (2 winners) Grant Deporter, Harry Caray�s and Tom
Rivera, Greater Woodfield Convention Visitors Bureau
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Attractions Jon Clay, Navy Pier
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Accommodations Ted Ratcliff, The Palmer House Hilton
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Transportation/Tours Tim Carey, Chicago Trolley Co.
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Retail Lisa Hasenbalg, Marshall Field�s
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Entertainment Barbara Gaines, Chicago Shakespeare Theater
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Restaurants Larry Levy, Levy Restaurants
Among Chicago visitors, the winners in the business category were:
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Retail Bloomingdale�s
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Accommodations Palmer House Hilton
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Attractions Navy Pier
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Service Chicago Trolley Co.
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Hidden Gem Cows on Parade
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Suburban Woodfield Mall
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Entertainment Navy Pier
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Restaurant Rainforest Cafe
 Although
winners were easy to find within the industry, they were hard to choose.
All in all, some 6,000 votes were cast by both visitors to Chicago and
members of the city�s hospitality community.
More than 1,200 people attended the event, where, in true �Oscar� style,
Saturday Night Live funnyman Tim Kazurinsky emceed the show, while local
sports and media celebrities presented winners with crystal CVCA awards
designed by Tiffany Co and a $250 shopping spree from Carson Pirie Scott.
In between, the audience was treated to performances by some of Chicago�s
best known entertainers including Blue Man Group, the Joffrey Ballet and
the Second City players. Presenting sponsors for the 2000 Chicago
Visitors� Choice Awards program were the Metropolitan Pier Exposition Authority,
WHERE Chicago Publications and Levy Restaurants. Honorary co-chairmen Mayor
Richard M. Daley and Gov. George Ryan attended the event and presented
awards to several recipients. Proceeds from the event benefited the Special
Children�s Charities and the Gateway Green Committee. |
