Tupelo’s Curlee Earns Tourism Honor

TUPELO, Miss. – Jennie Bradford Curlee, Director of Public Relations and International Sales for the Tupelo Convention & Visitors Bureau (TCVB), was named the 2014 Rising Star by the Southeast Tourism Society (STS) at their annual “Shining Example” awards banquet held Wednesday, October 15, 2014 in Charleston, SC. The award recognizes extraordinary on-the-job performance by a person new to the travel and tourism industry.

In the nomination, submitted by Neal McCoy, TCVB executive director, Curlee was cited for developing the two programs of public relations and international sales from the ground up, establishing goals and strategies, as well as tracking mechanisms for each. It was noted that she embraced market research as the cornerstone of her planning and keeps a solid focus on the purpose of the two programs. She was also praised for her service to the industry and her community.

“I am thrilled for Jennie Bradford to receive this award,” stated Neal McCoy, TCVB executive director. “She has shown tremendous initiative in this job and is so deserving of this prestigious award.” McCoy was named the Rising Star by STS in 2009.

STS is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and development of tourism throughout the Southeast. It currently serves 12 member states—Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia and Arkansas.

Curlee graduated from the University of Alabama earning a Bachelor of Arts in History and American studies. Before joining TCVB, she served as director of corporate communications at the Community Development Foundation. Curlee is currently a member of the Mississippi Tourism Association; the Public Relations Association of Mississippi, where she serves as local chapter president and on the state board of directors; the Southern Public Relations Federation; and the Southeast Tourism Society.

Born in Tupelo, Curlee is a 1997 graduate of Tupelo High School. She is the daughter of Anne and George Worthen and is married to John Curlee, also of Tupelo, and they have one son, Miles.

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