CONCORD, NC (November 22, 2024) – Cabarrus County’s official destination marketing organization, the Cabarrus County Convention & Visitors Bureau, honored the area’s hospitality and tourism professionals on Thursday, November 21 during their 11th Annual Celebrate Cabarrus and Golden Helmet Awards event.

“Cabarrus County is home to an incredible collection of offerings that are each unique in their own way,” said Cabarrus County CVB President and CEO Donna Carpenter. “Like a kaleidoscope, when they come together, the inherently welcoming and awe-inspiring nature of this destination shines even brighter. We’re thankful for every one of our partners and are honored to work alongside them to foster an amazing visitor experience in Cabarrus County.”

The 2024 Celebrate Cabarrus honorees and Golden Helmet Award recipients are:

Housekeeping Employees of the Year
Anayeli Gutierrez, Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte/Concord
Bahija El Hachimi, Homewood Suites by Hilton Concord/Charlotte
Damary Gomez, Comfort Suites Concord Mills
Eliana Rivera, Courtyard by Marriott Charlotte/Concord
Maria Cruz Zurita, Hampton Inn & Suites Concord/Charlotte
Rosa Rojas Farcia, Great Wolf Lodge Charlotte/Concord
Shae Lawson, Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa
Venancia Funes, Residence Inn by Marriott Charlotte/Concord

Top Visitor Center Referrals – Linda Albers, Hendrick Motorsports
Volunteer of the Year – Sandra Watson-Corby
Restaurant of the Year – Gianni’s Trattoria
Hometown Hero – Trevor Wilt, Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
Hotel of the Year – Courtyard by Marriott Charlotte/Concord
Attraction of the Year – Concord Mills
Small Business of the Year – Justin Moore, Sublmnl
Outstanding Ambassador – Dirk Vanderleest, Concord-Padgett Regional Airport
Hospitality Professional of the Year – Kenny Robinson, Cabarrus Arena & Events Center
Destination Visionary Award – Charlotte Motor Speedway
Unsung Hero – Patrick Helm, Jay M. Robinson High School
Smith Family Lifetime Achievement Award – Diane Honeycutt

The Golden Helmet Awards honor those who create memorable experiences for visitors through exceptional customer service and go beyond the call of duty to wow guests and strengthen our destination’s reputation.

In 2023, Cabarrus County had the eighth highest visitor spending growth rate of the state’s 100 counties and among the top counties in North Carolina for increases in direct tourism employment. Tourism generated $624.89 million in visitor spending, $171.5 million in payroll, $41.1 million in state and local taxes and 4,821 jobs. For more information on the contribution of tourism in Cabarrus County, view “The Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties”— a study prepared for Visit North Carolina by Tourism Economics.

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About the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau
As a globally recognized destination marketing organization through Destination International’s Accreditation Program (DMAP), the CCCVB is dedicated to promoting Cabarrus County as a visitor destination and enhancing the complete visitor experience. We also represent and support the interests of the local tourism industry and promote public awareness of the importance of tourism. For more, visit CabCoCVB.com or connect with Explore Cabarrus on social media.

Media Contact:
Julie Hinson, TMP
Cabarrus County CVB
JulieHinson@ExploreCabarrus.com
704-575-9379