Mayor John wins Tourism Award of Excellence

This award is for an individual who has significantly impacted the development of tourism in Sault Ste. Marie. He or she has provided long-standing and exceptional service; has demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit, leadership and integrity; as well has established a strong legacy through passing on their experience to others to further benefit the tourism sector. This individual has gained respect of those in the tourism industry.

This year’s recipient is the late Mayor John Rowswell.

His daughter Patricia Rowswell (shown) accepted the award on her father's behalf.

To read profiles of other Tourism Sault Ste. Marie 2010 winners, please click here.

Here's what they said about Mayor John at last night's award ceremony.

************************* Mayor John championed the tourism industry throughout his decade as Mayor, with two of his most recent successes being the lobbying of higher levels of government to assist in securing funding for the Agawa Canyon Tour Train coach project and the “Gateway” designation for the City of Sault Ste. Marie.

Prior to becoming Mayor, John in his capacity as an engineer had many entrepreneurial ideas and concepts that have contributed greatly to the tourism industry in and around our area; including the snowmobile bridge design that facilitated the expansion of the TOPS provincial trail system.

His leadership at City Council throughout the various gateway development proposals helped keep this incredible opportunity alive and through his dedicated support the project was put into the hands of Tourism Sault Ste. Marie and Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation to move forward and find a home made solution.

Mayor John was always willing to turn out to welcome visiting FAM tours and always played a key role when we were kicking off some of the major events that we have hosted in the city, such as the Scott Tournament of Hearts and the Finn Grand Fest.

And we know that every time John travelled abroad, or spoke with the many international friends he developed, he always made sure that he told them what a great place Sault Ste. Marie is, not only to live, but to visit as well.

The tourism industry considers Mayor John Rowswell as our Naturally Gifted Tourism Ambassador.

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