State travel association recognizes former Cheyenne County tourism director

GERING – Kevin Howard was recognized today by the Nebraska Travel Association.  

The award is the Crystal Compass Award. The award is in recognition of his contributions to tourism over many years and was presented by Steve Maly of Maly Marketing and Anjanette Bonham, director of the Adams County Conference and Visitors Bureau. 

Howard served as the Cheyenne County Tourism director, then retired and the position filled by Kendra Mitchell.  

He cited his work with the Nebraska Tourism Association, Nebraska Travel Association, and including working with the Legislature. 

“It’s the Crystal Compass Award from the Nebraska Travel Association for work I’ve done over the years. It’s because I’ve been here a long time,” he said.  

Howard said the award has value because the award came from his peers. 

“The greatest part is it is from the people that I’ve worked with over the years. That is, that is the thing that means the most,” he said. 

Howard came to Sidney as the new tourism director, and retired in January 2022. 

The awards luncheon included comments by Nebraska Lt. Governor Joe Kelly. Lt Gov. Kelly said events like October 19 reminds him how many parts are needed.

"An event like this kind of helps tell us how all these things come together We need to have houses, in order to have those jobs, in order to have a thriving community. And tourism plays a big role in that," he said.