2004 Governor's Tourism Award October 13, 2004 LEWIS & CLARK BICENTENNIAL COMMISSION WINS GOVERNOR'S TOURISM AWARD Governor Kathleen Sebelius has presented the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commission with the 2004 Governor's Tourism Achievement Award. The Governor made the presentation October 12 at the Kansas Tourism Conference in Emporia. The Governor's Tourism Achievement Award recognizes superior accomplishment in the Kansas travel and tourism industry. Photo courtesy of Travel Industry Association of Kansas. Photography by IM Design Group, Emporia, Kansas. "The Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commission provides an excellent example of how Kansas can develop meaningful tourism experiences," said Governor Sebelius. "The work of the Commission embodies the principles of cooperation, sustainability, quality, and accountability - which give us a great compass to guide tourism in Kansas." The Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commission was established in 2000 to develop ways that Kansas could pay tribute to Lewis and Clark and participate in the national celebration. The Commission brought together several communities and groups in northeast Kansas to develop attractions and special commemorative events, including "A Journey Fourth," one of 15 national signature events of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial. Four outdoor open-air pavilions in White Cloud, Atchison, Leavenworth, and Kansas, featuring interactive exhibits to help tell the story of Lewis and Clark in Kansas, are enduring features of the commemoration. The Travel & Tourism Development Division of the Kansas Department of Commerce (Commerce) and the Travel Industry Association of Kansas (TIAK) are co-sponsoring the Kansas Tourism Conference at Emporia State University on October 11-13. During an awards banquet, TIAK also presented its Travel Industry Association of Kansas Tourism Marketing Awards and AAA Kansas presented its Four Diamond awards. In addition to the awards presentations, the 2004 Kansas Tourism Conference featured seminars, expert speakers, and the TIAK's annual meeting. For more information, contact (785) 296-2477. Funding for the activities of the Travel & Tourism Division of the Kansas Department of Commerce is provided by the Economic Development Initiatives Fund (EDIF), which is derived from state lottery proceeds. The mission of the Kansas Department of Commerce is to empower business and communities through bold leadership using strategic resources to realize prosperity in Kansas. Kansas Department of Commerce 1000 S. Jackson Suite 100 Topeka, KS 66612-1375 (785) 296-2477 The 2004 Governor's Tourism Achievement Award is Karg Art Glass, handmade by artist Rollin Karg in his studio in Kechi, Kansas. Rollin Karg has been an engineer, photographer, potter, woodworker and glassblower. He transformed one of his hobbies into a full-time career as a glass artist. He atributes his artistic inclination partly to a strong desire to work with his hands, and partly to the inspiring, park-like location of his studio, where he creates his one-of-a-kind treasures. Karg studied hot glass at Emporia State University, commuting from Wichita while building his first furnace. He offers tours of his workshop during business hours. Interactive Trail | Kansas Attractions | News and Events Tribal Nations | Education | About Us | Related Links