Noreen Martin and local fire services receive tourism awards
Fifth District Supervisor Debbie Arnold congratulates Fire Chief Robert Lewin at the opening of Sunset Savor weekend. Courtesy photo.
– The Visit San Luis Obispo County organization recently honored local fire services of San Luis Obispo County with the first annual Tourism Hero Award, as well as Noreen Martin, CEO of Martin Resorts and owner of the Paso Robles Inn, with the Tourism Champion Award. The awards were presented during the opening ceremony of Sunset Savor the Central Coast, which takes place each year before the main event at the historic Santa Margarita Ranch. Over 100 guests gathered together for the ceremony, which concluded with the traditional ribbon cutting, officially marking the opening of the main event.
The Tourism Hero Award was presented to the Fire Services of San Luis Obispo County in recognition, “of their exceptional valor and courage, as they worked tirelessly to extinguish threatening wildfires impeding Santa Margarita Ranch this summer.”
Fire Chief Robert Lewin accepted the award on behalf of fire services, and personnel in attendance included representation from the US Forest Service, Cal Fire, San Luis Ambulance, Santa Margarita Fire Department and the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office. “The Cuesta Fire was a successful firefight because all the fire agencies in the county came together,” said Lewin. “Together we protect life, property and our natural resources; we believe in what we do and consider it our responsibility.”
A group shot of first responders. Courtesy photo.
At its peak, the fire reached a total of 2,446 acres, requiring the evacuation of approximately 500 people. Total flight hours for fixed-wing aircrafts reached 127.5 hours, and a total of 12 fixed-wing aircrafts dropped over a 124 million gallons of fire retardant. Total flight hours for rotary-wing aircrafts reached 264.5 hours and a total of 17 helicopters delivered almost one million gallons of water, as well as cargo. A total of 1,722 personnel were assigned from federal, state and local fire departments, as well as the Sheriff’s Office and County Office of Emergency Services. These included a total of 123 fire engines, 113 fire crews, 27 dozers and 28 water tenders.
“We are humbled by the recognition Visit San Luis Obispo County and Sunset Savor the Central Coast have given us,” said Lewin. “This is our community, together we all savor the central coast of California.”
Because of their noteworthy efforts, Santa Margarita Ranch, the town of Santa Margarita and San Luis Obispo County were preserved. “We are honored to present this award to the Fire Services of San Luis Obispo County,” said President & CEO of Visit San Luis Obispo County Chuck Davison. “Often our society references entertainers and sports stars as heroes, but this award is recognizing true heroes who have shown courage, outstanding achievements and have put their lives on the line to keep all of us safe. The men and women of the Fire Services do that every single day and they deserve so much more than our thanks and this award.”
Visit San Luis Obispo County also presented their 2015 Tourism Champion Award to Noreen Martin, CEO of Martin Resorts, owner of the Paso Robles Inn. The Tourism Champion Award is given each year to individuals who go above and beyond in their dedication and commitment to tourism for San Luis Obispo County. “Noreen Martin has served the County tourism initiatives tirelessly and is always available to help champion the effort, even in areas that do not directly affect her business,” said Davison. “She has been instrumental in putting Savor on the map, and at one time, even stepped in to lead our organization, Visit San Luis Obispo County. We can’t express how much we appreciate her efforts to advance tourism in our communities.”
Noreen Martin, CEO Of Martin Resorts, accepting her award. Courtesy photo.
Martin has been CEO of Martin Resorts since 2005, which is currently one of the area’s top 20 employers. Martin has represented San Luis Obispo County as a commissioner on the Visit California Board since 2012 and she dedicates her time to many boards and organizations within the region including the Economic Vitality Corporation, Economic Strategy Project, Rabobank Regional President’s Advisory Council, Cal Poly University Athletic Director’s Council, Cal Poly University President’s Local Economic Development Committee, and the Cal Poly University Recreation, Parks & Tourism Administration Advisory Council.
Martin recently began training to become a CASA Advocate, and was a past board member of Transitions Mental Health. She currently serves as past president of the Visit San Luis Obispo County Board. “I was surprised, delighted, and honored to receive this incredible award,” said Martin. “San Luis Obispo County has begun a new chapter related to tourism marketing and I’m proud to be a part of this increased synergy. Tourism is already an economic powerhouse, but there’s even more opportunity for growth for us all, as partners in this beautiful environment we call home.”
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