Salisbury, MD – Wicomico County’s tourism division recognized its strongest partners during the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 24, at the Wicomico Civic Center.
The mission of the Wicomico County tourism division is to attract visitors to stimulate the economy and enhance quality of life.
Tourism’s community partners help the County recruit new events, retain and grow current events and welcome event attendees into the community.
The Hospitality Award was presented to Salisbury Elks Club #817. By embracing many events hosted by the County and working closely with organizers, the Elks Lodge ensures that events run smoothly, allowing attendees to focus on enjoying their experience in Wicomico County.
Piedmont Airlines was named Tourism Business of the Year. Through sponsorships of numerous County events and providing excellent customer service to visitors, Piedmont continues to make a meaningful impact on both the local community and the broader tourism industry.
Salisbury University Athletics was recognized as the Tourism Partner of the Year. The Tourism division has collaborated with Salisbury University on a variety of events this year, including the USSSA Eastern Nationals opening ceremonies and the Governors Challenge. Additionally, Wicomico County and Salisbury University were recently awarded the 2027 NCAA Men’s Volleyball National Championship, a significant achievement that underscores the region’s reputation as a hub for high-profile sporting events.
The Tourism Person of the Year was awarded to Billy Atkinson. Atkinson is the driving force behind Eastern Shore Baseball Tournaments, dedicating over ten years to organizing events in Wicomico County. This year alone, Atkinson coordinated 18 tournaments, which brought over 700 teams to the area, boosting local business and showcasing the County as a premier sports destination.
