VisitNorfolk’s Melissa Hopper Receives Coveted Jim Ricketts Award
September 30, 2020
Melissa Hopper, associate director of tour & travel for the Norfolk Convention and Visitors Bureau (VisitNorfolk), was presented with the Jim Ricketts Award for “DMO/CVB Employee of the Year” by the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging and Travel Association (VRLTA) during the 2020 VRLTA Virtual Ordinary Awards on Wednesday, September 30, 2020. The award recognizes individuals for their “extraordinary contributions to Virginia’s tourism industry” and was presented live. The other finalist, Sarah Carroll, is also an employee of VisitNorfolk and serves as the Director of Talent Development & Morale.
“We are so incredibly fortunate to have two exceptionally talented hospitality leaders contributing to the overall success of our organization,” said VisitNorfolk President and CEO Kurt J. Krause. “It is clear that without Mel’s stellar sales performance we would not have the staff on hand to deliver magnificent and attentive service. Similarly, without Sarah’s attention to our Associates’ well-being, inspiring work performance, and constant communication of workplace changes and safety standards, our excellence would fall short.”
As VisitNorfolk’s Associate Director of Tour & Travel, Melissa Hopper’s experience and commitment to domestic and international tour groups, and military reunions, has proven vital to the company’s success, especially during a year of economic hardship within the travel industry due to COVID-19. VisitNorfolk is thrilled to see her recognized for this prestigious award celebrating the best within the state of Virginia’s travel industry.
“VisitNorfolk unmistakably benefits from the contributions of both individuals, and we are proud to recognize both finalists,” said Kurt J. Krause. “At the same time, we are honored to congratulate Melissa Hopper for this well-deserved recognition by the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging and Travel Association as the Jim Rickett’s Award for DMO/CVB Employee of the Year.”
Named after Chinn’s Ordinary, the oldest original inn in America, VRLTA’s Ordinary Awards feature 20 individual and organizational awards across four primary categories. The Jim Ricketts Award for DMO/CVB Employee of the Year was determined through a nomination process and judged by VRLTA members and industry professionals.