The Spokane Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau Board of Directors has named Jack Lucas, president of TicketsWest and WestCoast Entertainment, the bureau’s 2010 Extraordinary Leadership in Tourism Excellence Award winner. Lucas was honored Thursday at the Inland Northwest Tourism Awards.

Lucas began his career three decades ago as an usher for Entertainment Services Association, the company that provided ushering and security services for the Spokane Convention Center, Spokane Coliseum (Spokane Arena) and the Spokane Opera House (INB Performing Arts Center).

He leads Spokane’s Best of Broadway series, now in its 24th season.

In 2009, TicketsWest processed close to 10 million tickets, and WestCoast Entertainment presented productions from Anchorage, Alaska, to Spokane. The companies are part of Spokane-based Red Lion Hotels Corp.

Other CVB awards presented Thursday were:

Festivals & Events Award: 2010 U.S. Figure Skating Championships

Attraction Award: Silverwood Theme Park

Near Nature, Near Perfect Award: ROW Adventures

Spirit of the Inland Northwest Award: Spokane Transit Authority

In the Bag Award: Aveda

Top Table Award: Wild Sage American Bistro

White Glove Award: Bo Bohannon, Northern Quest Resort & Casino

Silver Spoon Award: Wendale Ellis, Carl’s Jr. Restaurant, on Third Avenue

First Impression Sales Award: Dana Divine, The Davenport Hotel and Tower and Hotel Lusso

First Impression Retail Sales Award: Colleen Yellin, The Davenport Hotel and Tower

First Impression Hotel Award: Nathan Gray, The Davenport Hotel and Tower

First Impression Transportation Award: Jules Dossou Azatassou, Daj Taxi Cab

Heart of the House Award: Ryan Wilson, Spokane Public Facilities District

Rising Star Award: Linda Yeomans, Historic Preservation Planning & Design

Hospitality Volunteer of the Year: Tracy Niles, Star U.S.A.

Tourism Professional of the Year: Barb Beddor, Star U.S.A.

Certified Tourism Ambassador Star Award: Dan Hall, Downtown Spokane Partnership

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