Visit San Luis Obispo County
Visit San Luis Obispo County, owners of Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast in partnership with Fast Forward Events, recently honored the Fire Services of San Luis Obispo County with the first annual Tourism Hero Award, as well as Noreen Martin with the 2015 Tourism Champion Award. The awards were presented during the opening ceremony of Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast (September 24-‐27), which takes place each year before the Main Event at the historic Santa Margarita Ranch. Over 100 guests gathered together for the ceremony, which concluded with the traditional ribbon cutting, officially marking the opening of the Main Event.
The Tourism Hero Award was presented to the Fire Services of San Luis Obispo County in recognition of their exceptional valor and courage, as they worked tirelessly to extinguish threatening wildfires impeding Santa Margarita Ranch this summer. Fire Chief Robert Lewin accepted the award on behalf of the Fire Services, and personnel in attendance included representation from the US Forest Service, CAL FIRE, San Luis Ambulance, Santa Margarita Fire Department and the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office. “The Cuesta fire was a successful firefight because all the fire agencies in the County came together,” said Fire Chief Robert Lewin. “Together we protect life, property and our natural resources; we believe in what we do and consider it our responsibility.”
At its peak, the fire reached a total of 2,446 acres, requiring the evacuation of approximately 500 people. Total flight hours for fixed-‐wing aircrafts reached 127.5 hours, and a total of 12 fixed-‐wing aircrafts dropped over a ¼ million gallons of fire retardant. Total flight hours for rotary-‐wing aircrafts reached 264.5 hours and a total of 17 helicopters delivered almost one million gallons of water, as well as cargo. A total of 1,722 personnel were assigned from Federal, State and local fire departments, as well as the Sheriff’s Office and County Office of Emergency Services. These included a total of 123 fire engines, 113 fire crews, 27 dozers and 28 water tenders.
“We are humbled by the recognition Visit San Luis Obispo County and Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast have given us,” said Chief Lewin. “This is our community, together we all savor the central coast of California.” Because of their noteworthy efforts, Santa Margarita Ranch, the town of Santa Margarita and San Luis Obispo County were preserved in impeccable condition. “We are honored to present this award to the Fire Services of San Luis Obispo County,” said Chuck Davison, President & CEO of Visit San Luis Obispo County. “Often our society references entertainers and sports stars as heroes, but this award is recognizing true heroes who have shown courage, outstanding achievements and have put their lives on the line to keep all of us safe. The men and women of the Fire Services do that every single day and they deserve so much more than our thanks and this award.”
Visit San Luis Obispo County also presented their 2015 Tourism Champion Award to Noreen Martin, CEO of Martin Resorts. The Tourism Champion Award is given each year to individuals who go above and beyond in their dedication and commitment to tourism for San Luis Obispo County. “Noreen Martin has served the County tourism initiatives tirelessly and is always available to help champion the effort, even in areas that do not directly affect her business,” said Davison. “She has been instrumental in putting SAVOR on the map, and at one time, even stepped in to lead our organization, Visit San Luis Obispo County. We can’t express how much we appreciate her efforts to advance tourism in our communities.”
Noreen Martin has been CEO of Martin Resorts since 2005, which is currently one of the area’s top 20 employers. Ms. Martin has represented San Luis Obispo County as a commissioner on the Visit California Board since 2012 and she dedicates her time to many boards and organizations within the region including the Economic Vitality Corporation, Economic Strategy Project, Rabobank Regional President’s Advisory Council, Cal Poly University Athletic Director’s Council, Cal Poly University President’s Local Economic Development Committee, and the Cal Poly University Recreation, Parks & Tourism Administration Advisory Council. Ms. Martin recently began training to become a CASA Advocate, and was a past board member of Transitions Mental Health. She currently serves as past president of the Visit San Luis Obispo County Board. “I was surprised, delighted, and honored to receive this incredible award,” said Noreen Martin. “San Luis Obispo County has begun a new chapter related to tourism marketing and I’m proud to be a part of this increased synergy. Tourism is already an economic powerhouse, but there’s even more opportunity for growth for us all, as partners in this beautiful environment we call home.”
Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast is a four-‐day culinary adventure, featuring the best of San Luis Obispo County and California’s Central Coast. Owned by Visit San Luis Obispo County, the event invites guests to hit the road with Sunset to experience the food, wine and lifestyle of the iconic region. The exploration boasts celebrity and master chefs, beer, wine and spirit tastings, local artisans, live music, Adventure Tours, special events, winemaker dinners, and more. With its prime location halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast offers the ultimate getaway for culinary enthusiasts.
To download pictures of the opening ceremony, please click here. For more information on Visit San Luis Obispo County or Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast, please visit www.visitsanluisobispocounty.com and www.savorcentralcoast.com.