Fantasy of Flight General Manager Honored with “Innovative Marketing Award” from Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing
Kim Long Praised for Creativity in Bringing New Business To Attraction and to Polk County Area
Fantasy of Flight General Manager Kim Long recently was recognized by her hospitality and tourism industry peers with the “Innovative Marketing Award” from Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing. The awards luncheon took place Thursday, May 14 as part of National Tourism Week.
"Kim Long is an industry leader and it is a pleasure to work with her as a tourism partner. In today's market, innovative marketing is more important then ever and Kim has the ability to think outside the box to attract new business and keep returning visitors coming back," said Mark Jackson, Polk County tourism and sports marketing director, who was at the luncheon presenting the awards.
Long was chosen for the “Innovative Marketing Award” based on her creativity in bringing new business to Fantasy of Flight, Central Florida’s premier aviation attraction, as well as to Polk County. Among her accomplishments cited at the awards luncheon was the creation of Fantasy of Flight’s Roar n’ Soar, a family-friendly festival which she helped bring to life two years ago. Now a signature event for Fantasy of Flight, Roar n’ Soar brings together the world’s finest classic air, land and water racing machines at the lakefront attraction and is becoming a highly anticipated annual event drawing enthusiasts from throughout the Southeast as well as nationally to the attraction and to the area for extended stays.
The experienced marketer also was lauded for her attendance-building marketing campaign in conjunction with the inaugural season of the Central Florida Collegiate Invitational at Polk County’s new Lake Myrtle Sports Complex. Long and her staff created a limited-edition baseball-themed patch that was given to tournament spectators and participants who visited Fantasy of Flight during their stay. She advertised the patch in the tournament program, supporting the new sports complex and driving attendance to the attraction. Long also serves on the board of the Florida Attractions Association.
“We have always recognized and appreciated Kim’s creativity and hard work but it is truly gratifying to see that her peers in the hospitality and marketing industries also recognize her talents,” said Kermit Weeks, founder and creator of Fantasy of Flight. “She is a true asset to Fantasy of Flight and we are proud to celebrate this achievement with her.”
Long, who was traveling out of state and was not able to attend the luncheon, was nevertheless honored by the award. “I have always felt fortunate to have a career that I love and now, to be recognized by my colleagues for that passion is just amazing,” said Long. “All of us in Polk County and in Central Florida are partners in the tourism effort and I am proud to work with so many other outstanding marketing and business professionals.”
During the luncheon, Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing also recognized several hospitality-industry employees for their excellent service as well as awarding Grant Piche of the Texas Cattle Company with The Community Partner Award. Polk County Tourism employs more than 17,000 people in Polk County and visitors spend more than $1.1 billion annually in the Polk County community.