Lambert’s Café receives state tourism award

SIKESTON —Lambert’s Café in Sikeston received the Tracy Kimberlin Hospitality Award during the annual Missouri Governor’s Conference on Tourism which was Oct. 4-6 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

The award is presented to an individual, business or organization that supports and promotes Missouri tourism in any and all ways available to them. This can include involvement in Division of Tourism projects, providing publicity for Missouri attractions and events or making an extra effort to assure travelers enjoy their time in the state.

“This is such a well-deserved honor for Lambert’s Cafe and the whole Lambert’s team,” said Kathy Medley, director of the Sikeston Convention and Visitors Bureau and executive vice president of the Sikeston Regional Chamber and Area Economic Development Corp. “They are a huge tourism attraction and have made a tremendous impact on the economy for Sikeston and Southeast Missouri.”

Lambert’s Café averages 16,000 visitors per week and maintains a strong focus on customer experience.

The restaurant also partnered with the Sikeston Area Economic Development Corporation’s S.O.A.R. (Students Observing Area Resources) Program to conduct hospitality training to prepare Sikeston High School culinary arts students for careers in the hospitality industry.

Other tourism award winners include: Hall of Fame: Lynn Berry, director of communications for Explore Branson; Marketing Campaign Award: Explore Branson; Pathfinder Award: Elizabeth Phelps, assistant director for Discover Saint Charles; Navigator Media Award: Zdeněk Jurásek, Radio 66 host; Rising Star Award: Ashlie Beede, director of marketing for Explore Branson; Tracy Kimberlin; Hospitality Award: Donna Miller, office manager at Visit Joplin; Film Industry Champion Award: Jessica Pabst; Sen. Emory Melton Legislative Award: Cody Smith, Missouri Representative for District 163.

In addition to the awards presentation, the conference, which was hosted by the Missouri Division of Tourism, featured educational workshops and guest speakers who address a variety of topics related to the tourism industry.