TULSA — A record number of Oklahoma’s tourism professionals gathered to honor fellow tourism industry leaders with Redbud Awards at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism.

The Muskogee Chamber of Commerce and the Cherokee Nation took home several honors.

Lt. Gov. Jari Askins and Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department Executive Director Hardy Watkins announced the winners during a special gala held Oct. 19 at the Renaissance Hotel in Tulsa.

“Redbud Awards represent the highest honor given in the Oklahoma tourism industry,” Watkins said. “It was an exciting evening recognizing the efforts of our industry, and a great celebration of tourism.”

Entries are evaluated by out-of-state judges based on criteria including customer service, marketing effectiveness, media relations, variety of audiences reached, value and overall creativity. The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department partners with the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association (OTIA) to present the annual Redbud Awards.

2009 Redbud Award winners include:

• Best Brochure/Publication: Single Sheet

RedBud: Duncan Convention and Visitors Bureau

Merit: Muskogee Chamber of Commerce and Tourism

• Best Brochure/Publication: Booklet 11 Pages or More

RedBud: Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau

Merit: Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism

• Best Website

RedBud: Muskogee Chamber of Commerce and Tourism

Merit: Premier Lake Property