Sault Michigan star shines bright

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT MICHIGAN
CONVENTION AND
VISITORS BUREAU

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Sault CVB’s Linda Hoath named Star of the Industry

The spotlight shone on one of Sault Ste. Marie’s own earlier this week, when Sault Ste. Marie Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Linda Hoath received the Star of the Industry award from the Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association (MLTA).

The award was presented on Monday, April 15 in Detroit at a banquet held as part of the Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism.

The award is a special honor bestowed upon only 13 recipients this year in a state with a robust tourism industry.

Hoath was the only honoree from the Upper Peninsula and has actually won the award once before, in 2008.

In announcing Hoath’s award, the MLTA said Hoath has “worked diligently to increase investment in the Pure Michigan campaign and other initiatives to increase collaboration in Sault Ste. Marie and the Eastern U.P.” 

They referenced significant increases in visitors to the area, adding, “Her visionary leadership of the CVB is a vital part of the town's remarkable tourism program.”

Jim Anderson, president of the Sault CVB Board of Directors, said he couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of recognition.

“Linda is a wonderful spokesperson and an energetic cheerleader for our area,” Anderson said.

He was in attendance at the Detroit event when Hoath took home the award.

“It was amazing to watch her. I think she knows everybody who is anybody in the tourism industry and is a great networker on behalf of Sault Ste. Marie,” the motel owner reported.

Anderson has worked with Hoath for the better part of her 10-year tenure on the board.

“I think a lot of good things have happened in Sault Ste. Marie that she doesn’t even get credit for, but should.”

Hoath said she was humbled and honored to receive the award.

“I love what I do and it is an honor to do it every day,” she said.

“I couldn’t have accomplished what I have without the support of my family, the backing of a great Board of Directors, and the two women I work with in my office every day - Debbie Beaumont and Mariah Goos. I’m also thankful for the people we work with every day within the community. I may have received the award, but I didn’t earn it alone. It was a group effort,” Hoath said.

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