At its annual meeting last week, Mat-Su Convention and Visitors Bureau distributed several awards and selected new board members.

Here are the awards:
Gold Star award, for a business that makes a significant contribution to the tourism industry: Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats
Tourism Angel award: Trisha Costello of Talkeetna Roadhouse for her work in the Susitna Valley
Northern Lights award, honoring a community or organization for tourism development: Alaska State Parks' Mat-Su office for its work on park improvments
Cheechako award, honoring a new business that has thrived: Alaska Ultra Sport
Spirit of Tourism award: Bethany Buckingham of Dorothy Museum in Wasilla

Ruth Rosewarne of the Alaska Railroad Corp and Craig Saunders of Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours were elected to the 10-member board of directors. Karen Harris of Alaska Garden Gate B&B and Steve Zadra of Princess Tours were reelected. Jason Votruba of Deshka Landing Outdoor Association was appointed to fill a seat left vacant when board member Vern Halter stepped down after winning election to the Mat-Su Borough Assembly.

Dee Dee Kay of Alaska Heritage Tours is the new board president. Cheryl Metiva of Northern Experience is vice president, Zadra is secretary and Nicole Bendle of First National Bank Alaska is treasurer.