FARMINGDALE, NJ – Monmouth County tourism director Jeanne DeYoung and Ocean County tourism director Dana Lancellotti were honored with Silver Gull Awards by the Monmouth-Ocean Development Council (MODC) for their achievements in tourism.

“I am honored to be recognized for my efforts to promote Monmouth County as a place to visit for a day, a weekend or longer,” DeYoung said. “Monmouth County welcomes more than five million visitors each year. With the assistance of support of many tourism and business partners, we are known for a family friendly atmosphere, diverse beaches and great parks.”

Since becoming the County’s Director of Tourism in 2000, DeYoung has developed strong relationships with all the tourism attractions and businesses in the County and advanced tourism promotion through the County’s VisitMonmouth.com website and the most comprehensive calendar of events, attractions, parks and beaches available.

“I extend congratulations to Jeanne, Dana and each of the winners this year,” said Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone, who was a previous recipient of a Silver Gull Award for Tourism Achievement. “I have worked with Jeanne for the past six years as the liaison to the County’s tourism interests. She is passionate about Monmouth County and she is tenacious when it comes to promoting tourism to our region and in supporting the efforts of her counterparts in Ocean County and all of New Jersey. She is truly deserving of this award.”

In 2013, DeYoung worked with Arnone to develop and launch the Monmouth County Tourism Advisory Group to coordinate efforts with municipalities and help towns bounce back after Superstorm Sandy. The group meets before and after the summer season to share information and best practices in promoting the County’s $2.4 billion tourism industry.

“Jeanne DeYoung is a consummate professional,” said Freeholder Lillian G. Burry. “She promotes our historic sites, arts, cultural and agricultural attractions with the equal care and attention. Monmouth County is lucky to have her.”

DeYoung and Lancellotti work to coordinate promotion of the bi-county area to visitors. Freeholders from both counties and members of the New Jersey legislature lauded both women for their efforts.

“Tourism is important to our local economy and I am proud to work with Jeanne to increase tourism in the County and our State,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Serena DiMaso, also liaison to tourism. “This is an industry that injects billions of dollars into the local economy and supports more than 30,000 jobs. Tourism is part of our economic engine; whether it is Atlantic Highlands, Manasquan, Red Bank or Upper Freehold, tourism is a big driver in our local economy.”

Other Silver Gull winners recognized at the May 5 awards dinner were for Economic Development: Comcast, Commvault, Harmony Bank, Meridian Health Village at Jackson and Ocean County Vocational Technical School. Silver Gull Awards for Community Service were presented to Oyster Creek Generating Station and Vito Cardinale of Cardinale Enterprises.

The Monmouth-Ocean Development Council (MODC) is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and business environment in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. MODC's members include hundreds of influential business, community and government leaders representing diverse groups through the bi-county region. - See more at: http://www.modc.com

To find out more about Monmouth County tourism, go to www.visitmonmouth.com and click on the Tourism tab where you will find a comprehensive source for things to do and places to go that is updated daily. The next time you are on Facebook be sure to “like” the Monmouth County Tourism page. If you use Twitter, follow us on there, too.

For more information about the Silver Gull Awards and Monmouth-Ocean Development Council, go to www.modc.com or call 732-751-8696.

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