Robbins brings home tourism award

HUNTSVILLE - Harvey Robbins said he was honored to accept the Governor's Award at a state tourism conference Tuesday but realizes the true honor is about more people than himself.

"It all has to do with what we've done in Tuscumbia," Robbins said. "I appreciate the award, not for my recognition but Tuscumbia's."

Alabama first lady Patsy Riley presented the award to Robbins during the Alabama Tourism Partnership Governor's Conference.

Tuesday's event had a second dose of good news, as well. Alison Stanfield, assistant director of the Florence/Lauderdale Tourism Bureau, re-ceived the highest award for a state tourism employee.

Stanfield was named the state's Tourism Employee of the Year.

"Alison is the most dedicated, loyal, hard-working professional that I have ever had the pleasure of working with," Florence/Lauderdale Tourism Director Debbie Wilson said, noting the wide variety of tasks Stanfield handles at work and civic ventures outside the office.

Stanfield joined the office in 1995. She was selected by a 12-member preliminary panel consisting of tourism professionals and a 21-member panel consisting of the state tourism advisory board.

Robbins, a retired industrialist, has helped pay for and plan various projects that are breathing new life into downtown Tuscumbia.

Robbins said he was especially honored to receive the award from Patsy Riley, because she is a huge advocate for tourism. "She's the best thing to happen to tourism in this state," he said.

He thanked his wife, Joyce Ann, and, on behalf of the Shoals, thanked the Retirement Systems of Alabama for its investment in the area.

The RSA is helping build a

Robert Trent Jones golf course in the area, in addition to other projects designed to promote tourism.

Robbins said the Shoals has started to identify itself as a single entity when promoting the area.

That cooperation is working, he said. "We're getting to become known as a tourist attraction.

"The Shoals is really going to benefit from tourism in the next few years."

The area has received plenty of national attention. The "Today" show and The New York Times both have done recent features on Tuscumbia's resurgence.

Tuscumbia's revitalization started with The Palace Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop on Main Street. Robbins is also working on a venture to upgrade Spring Park and renovate other downtown buildings.

"Everything has started to feed on itself," Robbins said. "I really think this whole area, not just Tuscumbia, is poised to benefit from tourism."

Bernie Delinski can be reached at 740-5739 or bernie.delinski@-timesdaily.com.