By Joseph M. Morgan
joseph@southerntorch.com
DECATUR, Ala. – The Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA) has honored Randy and Olivia Grider with its 2015 Chairman’s Cup award. The award is among 12 that comprise the PEAK Awards that will be presented on Wednesday, September 16 during the AMLA Annual Meeting at Stone Bridge Farms in Cullman, Ala.
Representing the highest achievement in North Alabama tourism, the PEAK Awards honor individuals and organizations that have had a major impact on tourism in North Alabama. The Chairman’s Cup Award is given annually to a travel writer or media person who has over time demonstrated support of AMLA, the region and its tourism activities.
Randy and Olivia Grider are the publishers and editors of Lookout Alabama, a magazine dedicated to highlighting the unique culture, history and environmental treasures of Lookout Mountain and the North Alabama region. Publishing began in the summer of 2013 with distribution to a select multi-state readership. Today, Lookout Alabama is available for purchase at Barnes & Noble, Hastings and Gander Mountain stores throughout the Southeast and in the Lookout Mountain region. Through articles and images, the magazine tells the stories of the people and places that make the Lookout Mountain region so special.
A native of Rainsville, Ala., Randy has a degree in journalism with minors in history and political science from the University of Alabama and has worked at various newspapers throughout Alabama. He has won 11 Alabama Press Association awards, including “most improved newspaper” at two publications and is a three-time finalist and 2005 winner of the Jesse H. Neal Award (considered “the Pulitzer Prize of the business press”).
From Pinson, Ala., Olivia has 13 years of experience writing and editing for national magazines, professional associations and marketing campaigns as well as local publications. Her work has won regional and national awards, including the 2006 Jesse H. Neal Award. She has a degree in mass communication with a journalism specialization and a history minor from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I congratulate all of the honorees,” said Tami Reist, President/CEO of the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association. “The PEAK Awards provide an outstanding platform to recognize top performers and industry leaders in tourism and this year’s recipients all have done an excellent job in the marketing and promotions of tourism and travel for the North Alabama region.”
