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Go East of Edmonton Wins Alberta Tourism Award!

Jolene Kisilevich October 31, 2019 2018 Let's Go Summer Campaign , Announcement , Awards Leave a Comment

A Big Win for our Region!

2019 Travel Alberta Alto Awards – Marketing Partnership Category awarded to Go East of Edmonton Tourism Group Picture of Go East of Edmonton Campaign Partners – Pictured left to right: Shane Olson- Strathcona County, Jennifer Filip-Tourism Camrose, Christopher Smith-Travel Alberta, Jolene Kisilevich- Go East of Edmonton and The Marketer, Richard MacDonald- Strathcona County, Leon Hunter- Smoky Lake Region and Metis Crossing, Kevin D. Kisilevich- Go East of Edmonton, Jim Newman- Lamont County, Brian Siddle- Strong Coffee Marketing, Diane Jenkinson- MD of Bonnyville, Brennan Bunko- Parks Canada & Elk Island National Park, Heather Atkinson- Lamont County, Anya Langkow- Town of Vegreville, and Trevor Tessier- Strong Coffee Marketing.

We are excited and honoured to announce that Go East of Edmonton Regional Tourism won the 2019 Marketing Partnership Alto Award at the Travel Alberta Tourism Industry Conference!

Go East of Edmonton Regional Tourism would like to give a special thanks to the following partners who helped make this award winning campaign a huge success — Thank you to Strong Coffee Marketing, Travel Alberta, Strathcona County, Lamont County, Thorhild County, Smoky Lake Region, Town of Vegreville, Town of Redwater, Municipal District of Bonnyville, Elk Island National Park, East Central Alberta DMF Campgrounds, Lac La Biche Region, and Tourism Camrose.

Let’s ALL celebrate this victory for our region as Go East of Edmonton Tourism was the ONLY rural tourism organization to win an Alto Award this year! It was also the FIRST time a Tourism organization from this region has won at this prestigious awards competition. The Finalists and Winners were dominated by Edmonton, Calgary and the Rocky Mountains. The Go East Team; Board of Directors, Staff and Partners are honoured to be acknowledged amongst such an elite group of tourism organizations and businesses.

Kevin Kisilevich & Jolene Kisilevich who created and coordinated this campaign would personally like to thank all of the partners and supporters of Go East of Edmonton. Special thanks goes out to Trevor Tessier and Brian Siddle of Strong Coffee Marketing who’s expertise and team of digital marketers have been instrumental in the success of this campaign.

Pictured on right is Kevin D. Kisilevich accepting award from Honourable Minister of Economic Development, Trade & Tourism Tanya Fir (on right) and the Award Sponsor Alberta Hotel & Lodging Assn (on left).

A Celebration of this achievement will be taking place during the November 8 Regional Tourism Meeting of Go East of Edmonton and its partners. https://www.facebook.com/events/2536686219756104/ – RSVP by Friday, November 1, 2019.

About the 2019 Alto Awards… The Alberta Tourism (Alto) Awards recognize the best of the best in Alberta tourism. The winners are mavericks in their field, exemplifying determination and ingenuity, and helping drive Alberta’s economy forward. Over 500 Industry partners were in attendance as the Alto Awards were presented in 11 categories on Monday evening, October 28 in conjunction with the Travel Alberta Industry Conference in Banff. The Alto Awards honour tourism industry partners who demonstrate excellence in experience development, marketing and service delivery. (CNW Group/Travel Alberta)

“The efforts of this year’s nominees, finalists and award winners are truly inspiring. The Alto Awards committee was busy this year, due to a huge jump in nominations. We received over 80 submissions, the most in 10 years,” said Alto committee chair Tyler Riopel.

At the 2019 Travel Alberta Industry Conference in Banff, there were many great learning sessions, and great networking with EDO’s and representatives from the tourism industry. Go East of Edmonton was also fortunate to meet with the Honourable Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Tourism – Tanya Fir.

Pictured left to right: Honourable Minister of Economic Development, Trade & Tourism Tanya Fir, Kevin D. Kisilevich and Jolene Kisilevich

All partners were promoted through various mediums, such as contest giveaways, a live television segment on Global Edmonton Morning News, targeted weekly Facebook ads, blog articles, weekly live radio broadcasts on Country 106.5 as well as in the widely distributed travel guide, social media channels, website and monthly e-newsletter.

The campaign increased website traffic from key geographic areas and increased referrals to partner websites. A total of 15,300 partner leads brought a significant increase in hotel room nights across the region. “Every year our partnership grows and so does our ROI of referrals to partners,” says Kevin Kisilevich, Marketing and Development with Go East of Edmonton. “We are so excited that the total growth over the past few years has far surpassed anything ever done in tourism in this region.”

Pictured above are screenshots of the 2018 Go East of Edmonton Digital Marketing Partnership Campaign shown during the Alto Awards Banquet. The other two Finalists in this category were Edmonton Tourism and Ski North AB, Grand Prairie

This sums up how our partners feel about the work we are doing to grow Tourism… From Jennifer Filip, Manager of Tourism Camrose and Chairperson of Go East of Edmonton Regional Tourism So excited to be part of this Team! Congratulations…your hard work and dedication to rural tourism is outstanding!

2019 Travel Alberta Alto Award Banquet Pictured left to right: Anya Langkow- Town of Vegreville, Jolene Kisilevich- Go East of Edmonton; Kevin D. Kisilevich-Go East of Edmonton, Brian Siddle and Trevor Tessier- Strong Coffee Marketing; Jennifer Filip- Tourism Camrose, Diane Jenkinson- MD of Bonnyville; Jim & Jackie Newman, Heather Atkinson- Lamont County

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Executive Team

Meet the passionate group leading Travel Alberta

David goldstein.

Chief Executive Officer

As CEO of Travel Alberta, David collaborates across multiple organizations to establish Alberta as the premiere destination to visit, work, live and play.

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Kara Claypool

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial & Operations Officer

In her role as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial and Operations Officer, Kara Claypool is our senior executive tasked with overseeing the day-to-day administrative and operational functions at Travel Alberta. Kara drives business excellence within her leadership portfolio that encompasses finance, risk management, governance, people and culture and information technology.

Tannis Gaffney

Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer

As Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, Tannis Gaffney leads a team responsible for promoting Alberta as a premier destination and driving revenue to Alberta businesses from regional, domestic and international visitors.

Senior Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer

Jon brings a unique blend of public and private leadership experience in the tourism and hospitality industry to his role as Senior Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer for Travel Alberta, where he is responsible for driving destination and tourism product development.

Danielle Vlemmiks

Vice President, Strategy, Research and Communications

Danielle Vlemmiks leads a team responsible for business strategy development, planning and reporting, corporate communications and research and insights.

Terry Goertzen

Vice President, Economic Development

As the Vice President, Economic Development, Terry Goertzen leads Travel Alberta in economic and destination development and Indigenous relations.

Kyla Stott-Jess

Corporate Counsel

Kyla Stott-Jess is Travel Alberta’s Corporate Counsel. In her role, Kyla provides guidance to the corporation on a number of matters including governance, risk management, contract management and privacy.

As CEO of Travel Alberta, David collaborates across multiple organizations to establish Alberta as the premiere destination to visit, work, live and play. At Travel Alberta, David leads a dedicated team to develop and promote unique destinations across the province. His strategic oversight of Alberta’s tourism recovery plan resulted in recovery to pre-pandemic levels in 2022—two full years ahead of schedule. As President and CEO of Destination Canada, David led development of the Federal Tourism Strategy, changes in aviation and visa policy, and an aligned Global Team Canada strategy, NorthStar 22. He also spent five years as President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. David holds a bilingual Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from York University.

In her role as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial and Operations Officer, Kara Claypool is our senior executive tasked with overseeing the day-to-day administrative and operational functions at Travel Alberta. Kara drives business excellence within her leadership portfolio that encompasses finance, risk management, governance, people and culture and information technology. Kara has been a leader in strategic financial growth with an emphasis on financial management, strategic leadership and excellence in organizational performance and stakeholder relations. Previous to Travel Alberta, Kara was the CFO/COO at Calgary's Vintage Group, Executive Vice President with Jugo Juice, and the Senior Manager, Finance and Strategic Planning with Big Rock Brewery. In 2011, Kara was named one of Calgary's Top 40 Under 40, and in 2012, named Top 10 Rising Stars Under 40. Additionally, as a female executive, Kara has had the privilege of participating in speaking engagements for Women's Executive Network (WXN), Women of Influence (WOI) and Women in Leadership (WIL).

As Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, Tannis Gaffney leads a team responsible for promoting Alberta as a premier destination and driving revenue to Alberta businesses from regional, domestic and international visitors. Through a focus on strategic partnerships, Travel Alberta’s Destination Promotion team is a brand-led, data-driven and digitally focused engine, effectively marketing and selling Alberta to the world. With over 20 years of marketing acumen, Tannis has a proven track record of developing effective teams, building successful brands and delivering on marketing plans that exceed sales targets. Prior to Travel Alberta, Tannis was VP Marketing at Ricoh Canada and held senior positions at the Calgary Stampede. She credits her extensive ad agency background as fundamental to developing effective leadership practices. Tannis is a Canadian Advertising Accredited Professional (CAAP) and sits as a member of Destination Canada’s 10X Marketing Committee and the Calgary Marketing Association’s CMO Forum. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication Studies and certifications in Digital Marketing and Strategic Leadership.

Jon brings a unique blend of public and private leadership experience in the tourism and hospitality industry to his role as Senior Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer for Travel Alberta, where he is responsible for driving destination and tourism product development. Jon comes to Travel Alberta from Destination Toronto, where he served as Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Prior to that, he was CMO & Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales, for Destination Canada, where he helped achieve several years of record growth in international visitation and expenditures and championed the development of Canada’s new “For Glowing Hearts” destination brand, launched in 2019. No stranger to Alberta, Jon served as Travel Alberta’s Vice President, Marketing and Sales. He has also held leadership posts with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, and began his career with Procter & Gamble, a global leading consumer packaged goods company. Born in Chicoutimi, Quebec and raised in Saskatchewan, Jon enjoys their cuisine staples of poutine and bison burgers. He is also a passionate CFL fan, enjoys spending time outdoors on the golf course and the slopes, and is always experimenting with his baking skills to perfect new recipes in the kitchen. Jon graduated from Bethany College, West Virginia with a Bachelor of Science, Chemistry and holds a Master of Business Administration from Miami University.

Danielle Vlemmiks leads a team responsible for business strategy development, planning and reporting, corporate communications and research and insights. Combining strategic and business acumen with operational efficiency, Danielle has built a reputation for inspiring and mobilizing teams to develop and deliver integrated, stakeholder-focused plans for success. Her education includes a Master of Professional Communications, a Bachelor of International Relations, and professional certificates in change management, crisis communications, leadership, and coaching. Danielle is also on the faculty at Mount Royal University, where she teaches strategic communication and business planning courses to students in the Bachelor of Public Relations Degree program. Danielle has received several awards for her work, including two federal Deputy Minister’s Awards of Excellence for Business Planning and Reporting, and Communications, an Award of Excellence from the City of Calgary for Community Engagement and a Triple-Crown Award for Leadership and Communication from Toastmasters International. Danielle is a voracious reader, passionate community advocate, and active member of several volunteer organizations.

As the Vice President, Economic Development, Terry Goertzen leads Travel Alberta in economic and destination development and Indigenous relations. Terry is an experienced public servant, having served the triple crown of municipal, provincial and federal governments. Prior to joining Travel Alberta, he was the Regional Executive Officer of Indigenous Services Canada in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. In addition to his extensive experience working with Indigenous peoples, Terry has direct experience with the tourism sector. He was the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport in Manitoba, where he achieved one of his career highlights: convincing the federal government to return to international marketing and investment in tourism. Terry holds a Bachelor of Education degree and has raised a blended family of four. He loves good coffee, craft beer, books, the Winnipeg Jets, and the Toronto Blue Jays.

Kyla Stott-Jess is Travel Alberta’s Corporate Counsel. In her role, Kyla provides guidance to the corporation on a number of matters including governance, risk management, contract management and privacy. She brings more than 10 years of legal experience, both as in-house counsel and in private practice. Kyla has significant experience in commercial contract disputes, regulatory compliance, employment law, privacy and governance. Prior to moving into corporate practice, Kyla was a senior associate at the national law firm Bennett Jones LLP. Kyla holds a B.A. (Honours with distinction, 2006), an L.L.B. from the University of Calgary (2010) and completed the Cornell University Summer Law Institute at the Sorbonne Université. She was called to the Bar of the Law Society of Alberta in 2011.

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Vote for your favorite yoga retreat center!

USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Beyond deepening one's yoga practice, yoga retreat centers empower guests to disconnect from technology, detox, and surround themselves with positive energy. Often nestled in breathtaking landscapes, from serene beaches to majestic mountains, these retreats — nominated by an expert panel as the best in the U.S. — provide expert guidance, holistic wellness activities, and a chance to connect with a community of like-minded people. Which yoga retreat center do you think is best? Vote once per day until voting ends on Monday, July 1 at noon ET. The 10 winners will be announced on Wednesday, July 10.  Read the official Readers' Choice rules .

Beyond deepening one's yoga practice, yoga retreat centers empower guests to disconnect from technology, detox, and surround themselves with positive energy. Often nestled in breathtaking landscapes, from serene beaches...   Read More

Best Yoga Retreat Center Nominees

Photo courtesy of ArcticHive.com

Arctic Hive

Wiseman, Alaska

If finding your "true north" means to gain insight by following your internal compass, straighten your path at Arctic Hive, 63 miles north of the Arctic Circle. The wilderness retreat center in Alaska's Brooks Range creates unforgettable yoga retreats under the northern lights. Guests dedicate a week to tuning in with themselves via mornings in the yoga dome, coffee and a plant-based breakfast in the igloo, and outdoor adventures and cultural immersions. There's cabin lodging with mountain views, crafts, dog-sledding, and a tour crossing the Arctic Circle and the Yukon River.

Photo courtesy of Larry Stanley Photography

Big Sky Yoga Retreats

Bozeman, Montana

Yoginis who have a yearning for wide open spaces may want to consider an experience at Big Sky Yoga Retreats. Choose retreats such as "Dude Ranch Cowgirl Yoga" that deepens yoga practice and explores the horse-human connection for a "yeehaw meets namaste" retreat. Yoga classes accommodate all levels. The company also creates yoga getaways to places like the French Alps, Patagonia, and Sicily. 

Photo courtesy of Barbara L Batt

Drala Mountain Center

Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

A typical day at this 600-acre mountain valley retreat may include yoga, meditation, a walk to the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya (a significant example of sacred architecture), meeting other participants over tasty meals, and attending evening sessions that attend to body and mind. The variety of housing at Drala Mountain Center, which is surrounded by forests, meadows, and the peaks of the Colorado Rockies, is varied to meet your budget and desired level of fellowship. 

Photo courtesy of Zane Williams Photography

Feathered Pipe Ranch

Helena, Montana

When it's time to refire neurons or your computer hunchback needs realignment, Montana's Feathered Pipe Ranch offers wellness and yoga tools from late spring to early autumn. Various retreats suit all experience levels in hatha, Iyengar, vinyasa, Bhakti, and yoga nidra. Mindfulness and meditation sessions result in a real mind/body renaissance amid beautiful vistas in the foothills of the Rockies. Lodging ranges from chalet rooms and rustic cabins to tents and yurts. 

Photo courtesy of Himalayan Institute

Himalayan Institute

Honesdale, Pennsylvania

For more than 50 years, the Retreat Center at the Himalayan Institute in the rolling hills of the Poconos has been a magnet for those seeking balance. Yoga retreats can address specific issues such as grief or they can combine yoga, Ayurveda, and hiking to nourish mind and body on the 400-acre campus. You'll experience restorative asana, pranayama, and yoga nidra, which is a powerful relaxation practice with guided meditation. Lodge in simple and comfortable accommodations conducive to a peaceful stay and enjoy hearty vegetarian or vegan meals daily. 

Photo courtesy of Bicho_raro // Getty Images

Pāhoa, Hawaii

A well-regarded eco-tourism destination, Kalani's retreats feature daily restorative yoga practice plus breathwork and meditation in paradise. Some sessions include appealing extras like excursions and coastal hikes along ocean cliffs. Visit the on-site farm filled with tropical fruit trees, vegetable gardens, and fragrant flowers, and venture upon forest walking paths leading to oceanside cliffs. 

Photo courtesy of GlobalStock // Getty Images

Kripalu Center For Yoga & Health

Stockbridge, Massachusetts

Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in the Berkshire Mountains has a roster of nourishing retreats — full of yoga for all levels — which include nutritious meals and peaceful accommodations. The Kripalu R&R experience is the signature retreat which allows guests to choose exactly what they need — a full schedule of yoga classes, more meditation, some dance or sound healing, or guided outdoor adventures. This Massachusetts facility has been training yoga teachers for more than a half-century. 

Photo courtesy of Peera_Sathawirawong / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Lumeria Maui

Makawao, Hawaii

Lumeria Maui is a 5.6-acre center offering yoga and meditation classes and retreats. The property, originally constructed in 1910, has been lovingly restored with casually elegant rooms, a luxurious spa, and on-site restaurant that serves farm-to-table cuisine. 

Photo courtesy of Mount Madonna Center

Mount Madonna Center

Watsonville, California

At Mount Madonna Center, there's something for yoga practitioners of all levels at retreats that include daily sunrise and sunset ceremony of lights events at the mountaintop temple, group mediation and asana classes, dancing, and devotional celebrations. Get what you need from a personal retreat: daily yoga classes, vegetarian meals, or walking redwood forest trails.

Photo courtesy of The Pearl Laguna Staff

The Pearl Laguna

Laguna Beach, California

Cleanse, get fit, and feel utterly renewed through yoga, organic vegetarian meals, sunset hikes along the beach, and meditation at this intimate wellness retreat located in Laguna Beach, California. The program, which attracts an international guest list, is built on four pillars: Natural Exercise, Natural Food, Rest, and Positive Loving Thoughts. The appealing menu during a weeklong retreat includes morning hikes through coastal canyons, two daily yoga classes, daily therapeutic massage and relaxation in a private room. 

Photo courtesy of Bri Crow Creative

Retreat In the Pines

Mineola, Texas

Beginner-friendly and open to all women, Retreat in the Pines is a serene sanctuary offering all-inclusive weekend retreats in the Piney Woods of East Texas. You'll practice yoga both indoors and out, enjoy fresh meals, meditate, and relax. You might return for a "Strength & Healing" retreat that incorporates even more yoga practices than the facility's other programs. 

Photo courtesy of Surya Chandra Das

Rolling Meadows Retreat

Friendship, Maine

Friendship, Maine, sounds like a pretty perfect place for a yoga retreat, and Rolling Meadows has been situated there since 1980. Yoga and meditation retreats are silent (except for the sessions), so expect a deeply introspective experience at the 100-acre center. Sessions at this hilltop location include classical hatha and vinyasa, yin yoga, and restorative poses. Rolling Meadows also hosts retreats off-campus in places such as India, Italy, and Mexico. 

Photo courtesy of Sewall house

Sewall House

Island Falls, Maine

A retreat at Sewall House may focus on Kundalini yoga, women's mental health, or the intersection of writing and yoga, with events that are open to beginners as well as experienced practitioners. Retreats are small and personalized, inclusive of meals that are vegetarian, mostly organic, and prepared on-site and accommodations in an historic rural New England home, located 30 miles from the Canadian border.

Photo courtesy of Mystockimages / E+ Getty Images

Shoshoni Yoga Retreat

Rollinsville, Colorado

Situated in the Rocky Mountains and approximately 35 minutes from Boulder, Shoshoni Yoga Retreat offers yoga and meditation retreats. Set across 250 forested acres, guests can enjoy expansive views of the valley below. Programs include three organic vegetarian meals a day and a wide range of accommodation options, from dorm rooms to cabins.

Photo courtesy of SilviaJansen // Getty Images

Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm

Grass Valley, California

Since 1971, yoga and meditation retreats at Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm have been relaxing heavy minds and hearts, improving fitness and amping up serotonin the natural way. Visitors can choose from multiple programs for different levels of practice and lodge in a private or shared cabin or bring your own tent. The farm also offers chose-your-own dates yoga vacations that include twice-daily yoga sessions, vegetarian meals, and guided meditation. 

Photo courtesy of andresr // Getty Images

Sivananda Yoga Ranch

Woodbourne, New York

At Sivananda Yoga Ranch in the Catskill Mountains, you can sign up for weekend retreats that focus on stress relief and relaxation, weeklong hatha yoga, or meditation, among others. Visitors can stay in a room, apartment, or bring their own tent. Yoga vacations are also available seasonally, which include classical yoga and nutritious vegetarian meals.

Photo courtesy of goo.gl/73nyq6 // Getty Imges

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center

Los Angeles, California

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center offers retreats year-round. If time is an issue, weekend retreat options are plentiful, but there are also longer immersions for more focused work. The daily program includes twice-a-day classical yoga practice, meditation, and vegetarian meals. Stay in a private or shared dorm room. 

Photo courtesy of Soul Farm Retreats

Soul Farm Retreats

Amboy, Illinois

A two-hour drive west of Chicago, Soul Farm Retreats offer one- and two-night retreats oriented around yoga practice and meditation, as well as healthy meals served outdoors with plenty of locally-grown produce. Guests can book a massage or an equine experience, as well as walk any of the paths on the 80-acre site. Spend the night sleeping comfortably in a glamping tent, or friends can reserve together to buddy up in a bunkhouse that accommodates up to eight.

Photo courtesy of Bill Geoghegan

Buckingham, Virginia

Virginia's Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville sits upon on 750 rural acres and encompasses a teaching academy, organic farm, monastery, guest accommodations, and sacred sites for prayer and meditation. Pack up your blocks and mat and sign up for one of the many diverse yoga retreats, silent retreats, or a personal retreat. Partake in the daily schedule of vegetarian meals, group meditation, hatha yoga classes, hiking trails, and evening programs. 

Photo courtesy of LaylaBird / E+ Getty Images

Zen Den Yoga School

Boca Raton, Florida

Zen Den Yoga School offers a variety of retreats designed to cater to the needs of anyone seeking a holistic escape, along with Yoga Teacher Training. Located in sunny Boca Raton, the school offers a range of retreat packages, from two-night events to immersive 28-day programs. Each retreat is crafted to provide a nurturing environment, encouraging personal growth and healing through practices like yoga, meditation, and detoxification programs. 

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

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Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She was born with deeply ingrained wanderlust and has visited 45 countries and counting. She often brings her children along for the adventure and is passing her love of travel on to the next generation. Jamie has written for   Insider,   Fodor's Travel ,   Yahoo ,  the Huffington Post , the  Washington Post,   Viator  and  Reviewed  among many other publications. Jamie is from Philadelphia and now lives in Washington, DC, where she takes advantage of everything the region has to offer.    Jamie can be reached at  [email protected]  and can be found on  Twitter ,  Instagram  and  TikTok .

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