2024 Tourism Award Winners

MILTON – The Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau (SRVVB), which promotes tourism in Snyder, Union, and Northumberland Counties, recently honored two local attractions for their commitment and dedication to the region’s tourism industry.

The SRVVB and its members honored Penns Creek Pottery with the Dan Baylor Award and Lake Tobias Wildlife Park with the Herb Bendt Award. The awards were presented during the SRVVB Annual Membership Luncheon at the Susquehanna Valley Country Club on Friday, May 17^th.

Penns Creek Pottery Honored
The Dan Baylor Award honors the entrepreneurial spirit of Dan Baylor, one of the founders of tourism promotion in the Susquehanna River Valley. It is awarded to an individual or organization demonstrating exemplary entrepreneurial spirit in promoting local tourism.

Penns Creek Pottery just celebrated their 45^th year in business. Located in a picturesque old mill, Penns Creek features delightful stoneware that is lead free, microwave proof, and dishwasher safe – all handmade by potter Bill Lynch and his team of artisans. Bill and his wife Sharon also own the Mill Creek Cottage located adjacent to the mill. Penns Creek Pottery has earned a loyal customer base both regionally and outside of the area. Every year they draw tourists into the Susquehanna River Valley and help these visitors discover all there is to do and see in the region. Bill has always been committed to educating people about history and pottery; and has often offered demonstrations for school students and community service and social organizations. Penns Creek Pottery is a long-term partner of the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau and often seeks to connect with the bureau and with other SRVVB partners. The award was presented to Bill and Sharon Lynch, Owners of Penns Creek Pottery by SRVVB Board Vice President Kalin Palmatier of KP Marketing.

Lake Tobias Wildlife Park Recognized
The second award, the Herb Bendt Award, honors the founder of tourism promotion in the Susquehanna River Valley, Herb Bendt. The Herb Bendt Award recognizes events, businesses or individuals who impact favorably upon the tourism industry in the Susquehanna River Valley. 

Since its establishment in 1965, Lake Tobias Wildlife Park has been focused on providing fun family activities and animal-themed attractions for residents and central Pennsylvania visitors to enjoy. The park was started by J.R. Tobias as “just a hobby to fall back on in his retirement” and grew into a beloved local attraction over the decades. The family and staff share their passion for the land and the animals in their care with over 240,000 visitors each year. JR’s legacy has grown into a 150-acre wildlife park and zoo that includes safari tours, zoo exhibits, museum and education center, petting zoo and more. As an SRVVB partner, Lake Tobias supports tourism within and just outside of our region, providing both visitors and residents with a memorable day trip experience. The award was presented to members of the Tobias family - Jan Tobias-Kieffer, Ern Tobias and Pam Jury - by SRVVB Board Vice President Kalin Palmatier.