At its sixth annual conference, held on May 23 in Frederick, Maryland, The Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership (JTHG Partnership) presented its 2012 Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) Star Award to Aldie, Virginia, resident Steve Hines.

Hines is Loudoun Country's biggest tourism advocate, working on behalf of governmental, marketing and customer service needs and issues. He is single-handedly responsible for organizing a CTA class in Aldie that included several influential Loudoun County tourism professionals. He is a champion for the CTA program and believes in providing the best customer service while also educating the tourism industry on the value and importance of the entire Journey Through Hallowed Ground.

As a founding member of the Visit Loudoun board of directors, Hines' institutional knowledge of the organization coupled with his passion for tourism and the destination have made him an invaluable resource to the organization and Loudoun County. He attends countless meetings and functions, and is prepared to take up the cause when needed to communicate with government and tourism officials on topics and issues that impact growth and the overall tourism experience to the destination. Hines regularly participates in Visit Loudoun activities, including familiarization tours and educational workshops. His local involvement includes board positions with the Loudoun County Preservation and Conservation Coalition, Aldie Heritage Association and Mosby Heritage Area Association. Outside of Loudoun County, Hines is also involved with the San Juan Mountain Association and the Ward Museum. His philanthropic affiliation is also tied to Ducks Unlimited and GRREAT, the Golden Retriever Rescue Education and Training.

"Steve works to turn every visitor encounter into a positive experience. In my eyes, Steve Hines is the tourism and CTA hero of Loudoun County," said Patrick Kaler, President and CEO of Visit Loudoun.

The CTA Star Award is presented annually to a Certified Tourism Ambassador who exemplifies excellence in hospitality and customer service. This year, nine individuals from throughout the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area were nominated. Since tourism is one of the largest employers within the JTHG National Heritage Area, the Partnership developed the Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) Program to train those who interact with visitors to our National Parks, Civil War battlefields, charming Main Street communities, and historic sites. Graduates of the program are well versed in the professional standards of customer service as well as the many unique features of the JTHG National Heritage Area. These experienced and engaging Certified Tourism Ambassadors provide quality service and top-flight hospitality to visitors, leading them to stay longer, visit more sites, tell their friends about their terrific experience, and even return to the region.