At the inaugural Ordinary Awards in Richmond this week, late CVB Director Jim Ricketts was granted a posthumous lifetime achievement award for 42 years of service to Virginia’s travel and tourism industry. A program developed by the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association (VRLTA), these awards highlight the best of the best in the hospitality industry across the state. The Golden Pineapple Lifetime Achievement Award is VRLTA’s highest honor and is given to an individual who has consistently shown exemplary service to the VRLTA and the industry. Jim’s longtime friend and colleague Rita McClenny, President/CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation, presented the award following her remarks heralding Jim as a giant and champion for the hospitality industry. A moving video highlighting Jim’s career rounded out Rita’s tribute. Two longtime members of Jim’s CVB team, Brande Rumpf and Ron Kuhlman, accepted the award on behalf of Jim’s family who were unable to attend. Another fitting tribute to Jim during the ceremony was the renaming of one of the top awards in his honor: the DMO/CVB Employee of the Year Award will now be known as the Jim Ricketts Award for DMO/CVB Employee of the Year. A full list of the winners will be soon be posted on VRLTA’s website: www.vrlta.org
