09/19/2026
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Congratulations to Lavender Kisses Farm, Discover Reelfoot, and Discovery Park of America! 🎉
Northwest Tennessee brought home five statewide honors from the Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association’s 2026 Stars of the Industry Awards, held during the Tennessee Governor’s Conference on Hospitality and Tourism.
The annual awards recognize individuals, events, destinations and organizations that demonstrate exceptional service, strong leadership and a lasting impact on Tennessee’s hospitality and tourism industry.
Three of the five honorees were also recognized earlier this year at the Northwest Tennessee Tourism Association’s 2026 Cornerstone Tourism Awards: Discovery Park of America’s Rhythm on the Rails, Discover Reelfoot and Stacie Overman of Lavender Kisses Farms.
“To see five statewide awards come home to Northwest Tennessee is an incredible honor for our entire region,” said Kasey Muench, executive director of the Northwest Tennessee Tourism Association. “Each of these winners represents the talent, dedication, and genuine hospitality that make Northwest Tennessee such a special place to visit. We are incredibly proud to see their work recognized among the very best in Tennessee.”
The 2026 Northwest Tennessee Stars of the Industry winners are:
RHYTHM ON THE RAILS
2026 Event of the Year
Presented by Discovery Park of America, Rhythm on the Rails is a free outdoor concert series that brings live music and community together in Union City. Featuring regional and nationally recognized performers across a variety of musical genres, the series has become a signature Northwest Tennessee event and an important contributor to the area’s growing entertainment offerings.
Rhythm on the Rails welcomes visitors from across the region, supports local hotels, restaurants, and retailers, and continues to strengthen Union City’s reputation as a live-music destination. The event was also recognized earlier this year at NWTTA’s 2026 Cornerstone Tourism Awards.
TAMMY URSERY, DISCOVERY PARK OF AMERICA
2026 Tourism Employee of the Year, Small Budget
Tammy Ursery was recognized for her dedication, professionalism, and exceptional service to Discovery Park of America and its guests. Her work reflects the hospitality, care, and commitment that help create meaningful experiences for the thousands of visitors Discovery Park welcomes each year.
Ursery’s recognition celebrates not only her individual contributions but also the important role tourism employees play in creating memorable experiences and representing Northwest Tennessee to visitors.
DISCOVER REELFOOT
2026 Destination Marketing Organization of the Year, Small Budget
Discover Reelfoot promotes the people, places and experiences of Obion County through strategic digital marketing, storytelling, photography, video, and regional partnerships. Its work highlights assets including Reelfoot Lake, Discovery Park of America, local festivals, outdoor recreation, dining, lodging and downtown experiences while helping visitors discover more of what the area has to offer.
Although still a relatively young destination marketing organization, Discover Reelfoot has built a strong identity and an increasingly visible presence for Obion County. The organization was also recognized at the 2026 Cornerstone Tourism Awards.
DISCOVERY PARK OF AMERICA
2026 Tourism Property of the Year, Large Budget
Discovery Park of America was recognized for its continued excellence as one of Tennessee’s leading tourism attractions. Through its exhibits, collections, educational programs, special events, and guest experiences, Discovery Park fulfills its mission to inspire children and adults to see beyond while drawing visitors from across Tennessee and beyond to Union City.
The statewide recognition reflects the collective work of the Discovery Park team, from welcoming guests and caring for the property to creating programs and experiences that make a lasting impression.
“These awards show the strength and variety of tourism in Northwest Tennessee,” Muench said. “We could not be prouder of each of these winners and the way they represent our region.”
The Stars of the Industry Awards are presented annually by the Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association to honor outstanding professionals and organizations throughout Tennessee’s hospitality and tourism industry.
Pictured from left are Stacie Overman of Lavender Kisses Farms in Hollow Rock; Tammy Ursery of Discovery Park of America; Clare Saum of Discovery Park of America; Rebecca McBride, director of Discover Reelfoot; and Scott Williams, president and CEO of Discovery Park of America.
