Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau recognizes industry awardees
The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB) celebrated award honorees at its 2025 Tourism Day Summit at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Pocono Manor. The event recognized 13 individuals for their dedication and commitment to supporting the mission of the PMVB and the region as a whole.
PHOTOS: Award Winners 2025 – Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau
JJ LaRose, Director, Partnership Sales at Pocono Raceway, was awarded with the Gail Sterrett Marketing Award now for a 14th time recognizing a Pocono Mountains hospitality sales and marketing professional who mirrors the late PMVB marketing director Sterrett’s dedication, professionalism and passion for work, industry experience, and leadership. LaRose continues to drive marketing strategies for the Tricky Triangle drawing in sell-out crowds for NASCAR weekend at the track in Long Pond.
Ben May of Pocono Raceway and Don Pleau of Kalahari Resorts & Conventions were awarded the third ever Chairperson’s Award in honor of the late Bob Uguccioni who was the head of the PMVB for 40 years and passed away in 2022. May has been President of Pocono Raceway since 2017, always expanding the reach of the Poconos as a destination for sports and entertainment with a focus on the continued legacy of motorsports in the Pocono Mountains. Pleau has been General Manager at the Kalahari Pocono location since 2019, overseeing the lodging, dining, waterpark and convention operations at the resort.
Jennifer Crowley of Pocono Biking was awarded Outstanding Tourism Employee of the Year for her positive attitude, and dedication to the company and destination as well as the guest. This award recognizes an employee who consistently goes above and beyond to not only ensure the happiness of their visitors, but also their fellow co-workers. Crowley is the face of the Jim Thorpe shop and is loved by her fellow employees for fostering team growth and lifelong skills.
Also receiving recognition, 9 individuals who were awarded with the Valued Partner Award for dedication to the PMVB and the Pocono Mountains tourism industry. They include:
- Joe Cybert, Weatherly Hillclimb
- Bruce Markovich, Lansford Borough Council
- Michael Tukeva, Pocono Mountains United Way
- Thomas Campbell, Pocono Mountains United Way
- Sarah O'Fee, The Swiftwater
- Carley Del Sordo, NBCUniversal
- Adam Thomson, WFMZ-TV
- Dino Cotilletta, Amazon Web Services
- Travis Miller, WPMT-FOX43/TEGNA Marketing Solutions
The Pocono Mountains is among the top destinations in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania welcoming 30 million visitors each year. Hospitality and tourism generate $4.8 billion in revenue and support a total of 38,075 jobs, nearly one third of all jobs in the Pocono Mountains, according to studies conducted by Tourism Economics.
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Pocono Mountains visitor information is available online at PoconoMountains.com or by phone at (570) 421-5791. Established in 1934, the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau is a private, non-profit membership organization. The PMVB is the official destination marketing organization for the four counties of Wayne, Pike, Monroe, and Carbon in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The PMVB operates the 24/7 Pocono Television Network which can be found on streaming, broadcast and cable.
See past recipients of the PMVB's Gail Sterrett Marketing Award, Chairperson's Award, Outstanding Tourism Employee of the…