McQuearys awarded top CVB honor

The Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau’s top award is going to Rick and Mary McQueary.

The McQuearys are scheduled to be honored with the Pinnacle Award during the CVB’s Feb. 21 Salute to Travel and Tourism Awards Banquet, according to a news release. The annual awards ceremony honors individuals and organizations for their efforts to promote and improve tourism in the Springfield area. Winners were picked by the CVB board’s executive committee, said spokeswoman Susan Wade.

The Pinnacle Award honors individuals who have been active in the local travel industry and have made significant contributions. The McQuearys are being recognized for their roles in bringing the downtown History Museum on the Square to fruition.

The husband and wife served as chairs for the capital campaign funding renovations for the 157 Park Central Square museum. The museum opened in August after five years and $12 million in renovations, Springfield Business Journal previously reported.

“Rick and Mary McQueary‘s leadership has been instrumental in the creation and success of the new museum that is now drawing visitors from around the world,” said Krista Adams, the museum’s director of development, in a provided statement. “Their humble nature and generous spirit truly exemplify some of the finest qualities of our community.”

The other award honorees are:
• Diplomat Award: Brian Weiler, director of the Springfield-Branson National Airport, for improvements to air transportation in the market;
• Ambassador Award: Premier Baseball for generating more than 1,500 room nights annually over the past eight years for its Freshman National Championship;
• Spotlight Award: Jeff Houghton, host of “The Mystery Hour,” for shining a light on the positive aspects of the community; and
• Hospitality Award: Springfield Cardinals, for promoting the growth of the area’s travel and tourism and showing hospitality for the traveling public.

The banquet is slated to be held at the White River Conference Center, according to the release.