Innovators In Calaveras Tourism

Angels Camp, CA –The Calaveras Visitors Bureau (CVB) revealed the 2013 Innovations in Tourism Award-winners at its annual dinner at Greenhorn Creek.

The award winners were selected by member business votes this year. Lisa Boulton, Executive Director of the Calaveras Visitors Bureau says, “If this year’s winners inspire just one other local business or organization to develop a new program, event, or initiative that has the potential to attract more visitors to the area, then that’s a positive impact for the whole county.”

Bruce and Wendi Davison of Arnold Black Bear Inn took home the Innovations
in Tourism Award for lodging, along with the top honor, by receiving the most votes overall, the “Most Innovative Business” of the year award. They were recognized for their development as a premiere wedding destination and their new Top Chef Challenge event packages.

The winners in the other categories included:

Events – Twisted Oak Winery, for bringing a new venue to Calaveras’ evening entertainment scene with its Summer Concert Series.

Attraction – Calaveras Big Trees State Park, for their interpretive programs, warming hut and new visitor center.

Restaurant – Sidewinders / Doke Sushi, for filling a culinary niche, offering live music, staying open late and being dependably high quality.

Retail – Stories in Stones, for their unique retail experience and educational outreach.

Recreation – Arnold Rim Trail Association, for the planning and development of the Arnold Rim Trail and map.

This year each category winner also received special recognition from Senator Tom Berryhill, and Assemblyman Frank Bigelow. Assemblyman Bigelow was on hand at the event to present each winner with a joint Assembly Certificate.