March 2009

carol norfleet, CMP, DMCP
wins 2009 "JOANNE O'CONNOR PRESIDENT'S AWARD"

At the March 2009 Annual Meeting of the Association for Destination Managment Executives, ADME President, Rhonda Marko, presented Carol Norfleet with the Joanne O'Connor President's Award.  In her presentation speech, Rhonda said...

I’m often asked how I can successfully run an award winning Destination Management Company, serve as Commissioner of Transportation, Destination Management and Special Events on the APEX Commission and be President of ADME all at the same time.

The answer is simple.  “I can’t.” 

Behind every successful entrepreneur, stands at least one person, to whom they can trust the keys to the kingdom.  The ones who make the decisions, when the decision-makers are nowhere to be found. While the powers that be are off to one function or another, they're in the trenches with troops, fighting a battle to champion presence; pride and performance in a world where those qualities seem to have unjustly lost some of their sheen.

This person must be willing to put in long hours, make hard decisions and take on extra chores, as well as serve as confidante, comptroller and captain of the crew.  People like this are hard to come by, and The Joanne O'Connor President's Award exists to honor those individuals, that gave so much of themselves to the career and industry they're so proud to be an active part of.

This award, named in memory of one of the founders of ADME and its first President, Joanne O’Connor, was instituted to honor that singular member, without whom the ADME  President would be unable to devote the proper attention and care to their own commitments.  Joanne was passionate about the industry and about ADME, and it is to such an individual, that this award is to be bestowed.

I have had the privilege of working with this year’s recipient for many years. What amazes me is that not only does she help me to run Destination Nashville, but also juggles her huge responsibilities with her strong spirit of volunteerism all the while excelling at her other, equally demanding jobs, being both wife and mother to her family. 

In her current role as Chief Operating Officer of Destination Nashville, one of Carol’s responsibilities is to orchestrate all our awards submissions………with the exception of this one!.  Her hard work is evidenced by Destination Nashville’s nominations for 5 of this evening’s awards. 

In addition to her skills at promotion, Carol is the CMP Study Group leader for Tennessee, The CMP Boot Camp facilitator for MPI, and the site selection instructor for the Belmont University Event Certification program.

As a member of the influential Future of Meetings Task Force, she insures that destination management companies have a voice in our industry. It's easy to see, how near and dear Carol holds the hallmarks of continuing education and mentorship.

When presented with a challenge, she finds a way to surpass the expectations of those she works with. As a part of the newly formed ADME Task Force, Carol served both as participant and meeting planner for both Task Force meetings in Nashville. 

Along with meeting planner and coordinator of the special events, Carol also arranged for VIP seating at this year’s Country Music Award Show for each Task Force member.  What a score that was! ....

I know that Destination Nashville could never have achieved what it has without her.  I marvel at all that she does, and I am proud to present the Joanne O’Connor President’s Award to my colleague and friend, Carol Norfleet, DMCP, CMP.