Event Recognized the People & Places That Make NWTN Worth Visiting
HUNTINGDON, TN — The Northwest Tennessee Tourism Association (NWTTA) hosted its first-ever Cornerstone Tourism Awards on April 10, 2025, at The Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center — an unforgettable evening celebrating the people, businesses, and organizations that make Northwest Tennessee a must-visit destination.
The evening began with The Green Room Social, an exclusive pre-event gathering in the basement of The Dixie. Guests mingled, networked, and enjoyed live music from Leslie & Brooke Cooper of 24 Seven, alongside delicious food from some of the region’s favorite local spots — Hometown Hangout, Mo’s on Main, Mallards Restaurant, and Local Street Cookie Co.
“This night was truly magical,” said Kasey Muench, Executive Director of the Tourism Association. “We created these awards to celebrate the heart of Northwest Tennessee — our people. The individuals and businesses honored here tonight are the reason visitors fall in love with our region and keep coming back.”
Throughout the evening, hosts Suzanne Harper and Courtney Echols of Extra Credit Team Solutions kept the crowd energized, reminding everyone that tourism is one big team effort — and when small towns and local businesses work together, everybody wins.
2025 Cornerstone Tourism Award Winners
Experiences Category
Cornerstone Champion – Attraction: Southland Safari Cabins & Guided Tours
Cornerstone Champion – Dining: Boyette’s Dining Room
Cornerstone Champion – Event/Festival: West Tennessee Strawberry Festival
Cornerstone Champion – Lodging: Sandy Creek Farms
Cornerstone Champion – Shopping: The Chocolate Bunny
Cornerstone Champion – Venue: Discovery Park of America
Individuals Category
Cornerstone Star – Attraction: Michael Avery, Southland Safari Cabins & Guided Tours
Cornerstone Star – Dining: Alan Laderman, Sammies, The Grind Mac & Cheese Burger Bar, Woodfire Pizza Kitchen
Cornerstone Star – Lodging: Christa Hopper, Sleep Inn / Main Stay Suites, Union City
Cornerstone Star – Shopping: Mary Beth Puckett, My Favorite Things
Cornerstone Volunteer Star: Alicia Pinto
Emerging Excellence Award: Drew Beeler
Partner Category
Star Cornerstone Legacy Award: Marty Marbry, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
Star Cornerstone Champion – DMO: Dyersburg/Dyer County Chamber of Commerce, Visit Dyer County, Main Street Dyersburg
Star Cornerstone Champion – Partner: Caroline Partin
The evening also featured a surprise presentation of the Star Cornerstone Legacy Award to longtime tourism leader Marty Marbry of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, honoring her 20 years of service to West Tennessee tourism.
The NWTN Cornerstone Tourism Awards were made possible thanks to the generous support of VRL Hotels 2 LLC, Hampton Inn Paris TN, L.I. Smith & Associates, Discovery Park of America, and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Industry. Special thanks also to King Print & Design Co. for creating beautiful, custom awards for each winner to treasure.
Event photography courtesy of Emmett Slone.
Photo: Marty Marbry received the Cornerstone Legacy Award, presented by Kasey Muench.