Big WYO Award

Since 1977 The Wyoming Lodging and Restaurant Association (WLRA) has proudly awarded The Big Wyo Award to a private sector individual/s who has done an outstanding job promoting and improving the tourism industry for the State of Wyoming. This exceptional award is presented at the Salute to the Industry Gala which follows the annual Governor’s Tourism & Hospitality Conference.

Nominee Criteria

• The individual has made major contributions to generating visitors, servicing and developing the travel industry in the state of Wyoming.
• These efforts can take place through their business or as a volunteer in travel-related organizations.
• The person has been a member and served actively on civic, community or travel industry association groups.
• There have been exceptions, but usually, the individual is not an elected official or travel industry public employee at the time of consideration. It is preferable that they not be currently serving on state boards and commissions.

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Congratulations to the 2022 BIG WYO Award Winner Renee Penton-Jones!

Renee is a Casper, WY native who began her hospitality career in 1992 and never looked back. She has served as the Chairwoman of the Visit Casper Board, has served on the Wyoming Tourism Board and is the current WLRA President.  Renee is based at the Ramkota Hotel in Casper, and she excels as the Regional Director of Operations for Regency Hotel Management.

What stand out most about Renee is her unwavering dedication to protecting and growing Wyoming’s hospitality and tourism industry.  At every opportunity, she engages at the local, state and federal level to ensure a prosperous climate for our industry to thrive in.

As the WLRA and WTIC finalize our merge into one unified, powerful new association we are proud and fortunate to have Renee at the helm, continuing her leadership as President.

Please join us in congratulation Renee Penton-Jones on this well-deserved award! 

We appreciate you so much Renee! Thank you so much for all that you do!