2007 4Culture Heritage Tourism Award
The award was presented by King County Executive Ron Sims to Dick Wagner, CWB's Founding Director. Following is an outline of Mr. Sims' remarks:
- This audience knows that Historic Preservation and history go hand in hand with Tourism.
- You know that King County has more than great scenery to offer visitors. People come here to see sights that tell the real story of this place. They want to eat local food, listen to our music, take part in our festivals, and visit our museums and historic sites.
- For more than 15 years, hotel-motel tax funds collected in the county have provided vital support for arts and heritage programs.
- And since 2003, King County’s cultural agency - 4Culture - has been dedicated to supporting that strong link between culture and tourism. Every day, 4Culture invests in distinctive places, programs, and organizations that attract visitors AND residents.
- This year, I’m pleased to present for the first time, a new award that will showcase heritage attractions in our county that contribute to our growing tourism industry.
- The 4Culture Heritage Tourism Award recognizes an organization or individual for exceptional promotion of King County’s distinctive heritage; and for successful implementation of the five principles of sustainable Heritage Tourism.
- Today I have the privilege of honoring The Center for Wooden Boats, an organization that meets both of these criteria – and which offers one of the most dynamic and enjoyable heritage experiences in the region.
- How do they do it? Through collaboration.
Sāādūūts, CWB's Artist-in-Residence; Brenda Chrystie, Development Manager; Betsy Davis, Executive Director; Colleen and Dick Wagner
- In all of its programs, CWB actively partners with schools, businesses, youth groups, and local government.
- CWB is a people place – but not just for tourists. Like the Pike Place Market, the Museum of Flight, and Snoqualmie Falls, CWB is a favorite of local residents, too.
- And tourists like to go where the locals go. This is a recipe for sustainable Heritage Tourism.
- CWB is the place where you can learn to sail, carve a canoe, build a kayak, tie intricate maritime knots, race a model schooner, or fire up an antique steam engine.
- It’s the original hands-on, interactive museum.
- At CWB, it’s all about the programs, and the programs are increasingly gaining nationwide attention.
- Heritage tourists look for quality and authenticity. They’re looking for visitor-ready and visitor-friendly experiences. At CWB, the quality and authenticity are top notch.
- Not only does CWB have its own rich collection of small craft, and a working boat shop – it also has a wharf full of large vessels owned by partner organizations right next door.
- And finally, CWB preserves and protects historic resources – through knowledgeable stewardship and regular use of its collection.
- Boats are maintained right on site, in a boat shop that welcomes everyone.
- Congratulations to The Center for Wooden Boats – setting the bar high, and establishing the highest standards in the field of Heritage Tourism.
- Dick Wagner, founding director of the Center, please come forward to accept the 1st Annual 4Culture Heritage Tourism Award.
