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Y C o u N a v c v e FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact John Agresti PRICommunications Manager 704 -456 -7967 (office) 704- 575 -9379 (cell) JohnA(&visitcabarrus.com Cabarrus Business Leaders Honored With Tourism Awards November S, 2012 — Concord, INC -- The Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau is proud to announce that Charlotte Motor Speedway President Marcus G. Smith has been honored by the Southeast Tourism Society (STS) with its Beacon Award for tourism excellence. This award recognizes an individual who best exemplifies outstanding leadership in the pursuit of excellence and who has advanced the tourism industry. Donna Carpenter, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau accepted the award on behalf of Smith at the STS Shining Examples Awards ceremony in Virginia Beach, Virginia on November 1. "It is appropriate that Charlotte Motor Speedway receive the Beacon Award from STS, as they have been a beacon for tourism for more than 50 years," said Carpenter. "Under Marcus Smith's leadership, the Speedway has been a great tourism partner in Cabarrus County and is the leader when it comes to innovative ideas to improve race fans experience at Charlotte Motor Speedway and zMAX Dragway." The Shining Example Awards recognize outstanding contributions in tourism in the Southeastern states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. "It is a great honor to be recognized among the top tourism professionals in the Southeast. The entire staff at Charlotte Motor Speedway works hard to make this the greatest place to see the race -- and so much more -- for each and every fan who visits our legendary speedway," said Marcus Smith, President, Charlotte Motor Speedway. "We are proud of the part we play in the tourism industry and we're always looking for new ways to engage fans, whether they're here for one of our premier NASCAR or NHRA events or just dropping by for a tour and a trip to the gift shop." In addition to the Beacon Award, Michael Bonoffski, Senior Vice- President of Marketing & Communications for the Cabarrus County CVB received his Forty for the Future award at the same event. Forty for the Future was created to acknowledge sharp, talented professionals who are making their mark in the tourism industry. About the Southeast Tourism Society (STS) Founded in 9983, the Southeast Tourism Society is dedicated to the promotion and development of tourism to its 12 member states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Membership includes state travel offices, attractions, hotels, motels, resorts, convention and visitors bureaus, transportation companies, newspapers, magazines and other travel - related organizations. About the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau As a destination marketing organization, the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau is dedicated to promoting Cabarrus County as a visitor destination and enhancing the complete visitor experience. We also represent and support the interests of the local tourism industry and promote public awareness of the importance of tourism. Visit our website at www.visitcabarrus.com for more information and rind us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/visitcabarrus Attachment number 3 1 -2 Page 230