FROM CHIMNEY ROCK (full release)
Mary Jaeger-Gale, General Manager of Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, was one of five distinguished North Carolinians inducted into the Winner’s Circle at the 2012 N.C. Governor’s Conference on Travel and Tourism. Governor Bev Perdue presented the awards on Monday, March 12, in Concord, N.C. Jaeger-Gale was honored for her “significant and continuing contributions to the growth and success of North Carolina’s tourism industry.” Previous recipients of the Winner’s Circle Award since 2004 include Larry Wheeler, Director of the N.C. Museum of Art; Jerry Richardson, owner of the Carolina Panthers; and Hugh Morton of Grandfather Mountain.
“Mary’s been a mentor and a friend to everyone in the industry,” said Governor Perdue.
“We thank these visionary leaders for their hard work and dedication to our state’s tourism industry,” said N.C. Dept. of Commerce Sec. Keith Crisco. “Their efforts have significantly improved the state’s tourism offerings, enhancing economic development throughout the state.”
Visionary Leadership. In 2011 Jaeger-Gale was honored for 30 years of service at Chimney Rock. As a member of the Park’s strategic leadership team, she helped craft an agreement with the North Carolina Division of State Parks and Recreation to form a public-private partnership to continue to manage Chimney Rock when the privately-owned attraction was sold to the state in May 2007. Jaeger-Gale is credited for her effective marketing strategies, her commitment to hospitality and her visionary leadership at Chimney Rock. She is active in organizations and serves on committees that not only promote the Park but help to forge partnerships within the state and the region.
About Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is a developing international outdoor attraction located 25 miles southeast of Asheville on Highway 64/74A in Chimney Rock, N.C. It has been recognized as one of the Southeast’s most iconic and popular travel destinations for more than 100 years. In 2012, the Park is celebrating the 20-year anniversary of the release of The Last of the Mohicans, which was partially filmed in Chimney Rock. The Park’s 535-million-year-old monolith called Chimney Rock offers guests 75-mile panoramic views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. The Park features one of the highest waterfalls of its kind east of the Mississippi River, Hickory Nut Falls, at 404 feet. A destination for travel groups, weddings and special events, the Park also hosts innovative educational programs for schools, homeschoolers, scouts and summer camps. Visit Chimney Rock’s website at chimneyrockpark.com. More information on current capital improvement projects at chimneyrockpark.com/progress or by calling 800-277-9611.
mary congratulations we may visit ashville this fall Will contact you if we are in the area Well done jim and cy