Courier August/September Courier | Page 62

Meet the Members PRESENTED BY Parks Canada WINNIPEG, MANITOBA NTA contact: Jennifer Burnell, travel trade advisor Office Phone: +1.204.984.4555 Website: parkscanada.gc.ca NTA member since: 1985 What makes Parks Canada sites must- visit spots for travelers? Parks Canada places tell Canada’s sto- ries. Whether it’s experiencing nature by wildlife watching or camping in a national park, participating in an indig- enous cultural program, or trying out a hands-on activity at a national historic site, visitors have the chance to experi- ence this country including our rich his- tory and many cultures. What role has your organization played in Canada’s 150th anniversary? To celebrate Canada 150, Parks Canada is inviting visitors to find out more about Canada by experiencing nature and learning about the country’s history. We’re celebrating throughout 2017 by providing free admission to Parks Canada places across the country. What are a couple of your favorite Parks Canada sites? As a child, my favorite park was Riding Mountain National Park in Manitoba. I went there every summer with my parents. I think many people would be surprised by the spectacular wildlife watching and viewpoints you’ll find there. Most recently, I fell in love with La Mauricie National Park in Québec. I went in the winter and had an amaz- ing, very Canadian, winter wonderland experience. What was your dream job when you were a kid? I know it sounds silly, but working for Parks Canada! I didn’t know about the organization itself, but I grew up very close to Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site, and, as a huge fan of “Anne of Green Gables” and “Little House on the Prairie,” I desperately wanted to work as a costumed histori- cal interpreter. I’m so lucky my dream came true—I worked at the site for a number of years, and turned it into a career with Parks Canada. For more information, contact Burnell at [email protected]. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Youngstown West-Austintown YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO NTA contact: Diane Maiorana, general manager Office Phone: +1.330.505.5700 Website: hiexpress.com/youngstownoh NTA member since: 2016 Tell me a little about the hotel. I’d describe our hotel as the perfect home away from home, with an excel- lent staff to take care of all of your hos- pitality needs. What are some awards your property has received? We recently won our first Torchbearer Award! InterContinental Hotels Group’s Torchbearer Award is given to hotels that achieve the “highest level of excellence” and is based on 12-month guest service scores. We also won the Newcomer Award and the Quality of 60 Excellence Award. We have a staff that truly cares and works hard to provide our guests with excellent service as well as clean, comfortable accommodations. What are some of the popular attrac- tions around Youngstown? We are just minutes away from the Covelli Center, which holds many con- certs as well as being home to the Youngstown Phantoms hockey team. You can explore nature’s beauty at Mill Creek Park, which is just a few minutes away and definitely worth the drive. We also have an abundance of wineries nearby. What brought you to the area? I have lived in the area most of my life. I wanted to stay close to my family, which is why I moved back to the Youngstown area after living in Cleveland for a while. It is a great place to call home. Visit Clarksville Frances Manzitto +1.931.245.4345 | 800.530.2487 [email protected] visitclarksvilletn.com What destination is at the top of your travel bucket list? Hawaii. I know it sounds cliché, but it just looks like paradise! What’s your favorite hobby? Anything as long as I am with my friends and family. I also like to binge a show on Netflix now and then. For more information, contact Maiorana at [email protected]. From our picturesque and historic downtown to our rolling countryside, Clarksville welcomes you with open arms. Bringing your group to Clarksville means a trip full of Southern hospitality, unique attractions and shopping, great food and memories that will last a lifetime. Find out more at visitclarksvilletn.com.