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HAGERSTOWN, MARYLAND – Visit Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Senior Information Specialist Jean Carbaugh was recently presented with the Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) Star Award by the Journey Through Hallowed Ground (JTHG) Partnership. The award was presented on May 25 at the JTHG Partnership’s 10th Annual Conference held in downtown Hagerstown.
The Star Award is presented each year to a CTA who exemplifies excellence in hospitality and customer service. This individual consistently exceeds customer expectations, possesses a strong knowledge of the region and its attractions, and promotes the ideals of the JTHG Partnership.
“Jean Carbaugh is an asset to our staff and the visitors she serves,” said CVB President Dan Spedden. “She has an extensive knowledge of the area and always goes above and beyond to help answer visitors’ questions. Jean is incredibly deserving of this award and we are happy to see her hard work and dedication recognized by her tourism peers.”
Carbaugh has worked in the downtown Hagerstown Welcome Center for 18 years, following a career as a corporate travel agent. She became a CTA six years ago to increase her knowledge of the region within the JTHG. Carbaugh stays abreast of new visitor opportunities available throughout the region while maintaining her CTA certification so she can direct visitors to take advantage of these experiences. As the winner of his year’s JTHG Partnership CTA Star Award, she will be eligible for the National Tourism Ambassador Institute (TAI) Star Award.
“Jean has, on countless occasions, and with effortlessness and good humor, always answered questions that are asked of her in the Welcome Center,” said Jolene Thomas, Director of Operations for the CVB. “We are proud to have her knowledge, service and expertise representing our organization to visitors on a daily basis.”
The Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership is a non-profit, four-state partnership dedicated to raising awareness of the unparalleled American heritage in the region running from Gettysburg, Pa., through Maryland and Harpers Ferry, W.Va., to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in Charlottesville, Va. With more history than any other region in the nation, the Journey Through Hallowed Ground was recognized by Congress as a National Heritage Area and offers authentic heritage tourism programs and award-winning educational programs for students of all ages. The Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) program was created because tourism is one of the largest employers within the JTHG National Heritage Area. The program trains those who interact with visitors to National Parks, Civil War battlefields, charming Main Street communities, and historic sites.
Visit Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization whose mission is to help attract visitors to Hagerstown and Washington County. Visit Hagerstown helps to create growth for the local economy by promoting, developing and expanding the local visitor industry. For more information about the CVB, or to see events coming up throughout Washington County, go to www.visithagerstown.com.
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If you would like more information about this, please contact Betsy DeVore at 301-791-3246 ext. 14 or email at betsy@visithagerstown.com.
