The Kevin Kooistra Award for Tourism Excellence

Established in honor of Kevin Kooistra’s lasting contributions to Billings and Yellowstone County, this award recognizes an individual who demonstrates exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing tourism. Recipients embody Kevin’s passion for community, dedication to visitor experiences, and belief in tourism as a driver of economic vitality and community pride.

Kevin Kooistra

Selection Criteria

Recipients should demonstrate one or more of the following:

Significant contributions to the growth and advancement of tourism.
Leadership that positively impacts the visitor experience.
Collaboration that strengthens the tourism industry and community.
Innovation in attracting visitors, events, meetings, or tourism investment.
A lasting legacy of service that reflects Kevin’s passion for Billings.

Each nomination will be evaluated by the BTBID board of directors.

The Kevin Kooistra Award for Tourism Excellence Nominee

Name of individual being nominated(Required)

First Last

Email(Required)

Phone(Required)

Nominator's Name and Company(Required)

First Last

Company(Required)

Email(Required)

Phone(Required)

Please submit a response to each of the following essay questions.

1. Reason for Nomination(Required)

Why are you nominating this individual, business, or organization for the Kevin Kooistra Award for Tourism Excellence? What makes them deserve this recognition?

2. Leadership(Required)

Describe how the nominee has demonstrated leadership within Billings or Yellowstone County’s tourism industry. How have they inspired others, created positive change, or advanced a shared vision for tourism?

3. Advancing Tourism(Required)

How has the nominee contributed to the growth, development, or promotion of tourism? Please provide specific examples of their impact on visitors, the tourism industry, or the community.

4. Innovation(Required)

How has the nominee demonstrated creativity, innovation, or forward-thinking approaches in their work? Describe any initiatives, programs, partnerships, or solutions that have created meaningful results.

5. Collaboration & Community Impact(Required)

Tourism is a team effort. How has the nominee worked collaboratively with others to strengthen the community, improve visitor experiences, or foster community pride? What lasting impact have they had on Billings and Yellowstone County?

6. Additional Information(Required)

Please share any additional accomplishments, stories, or examples that help illustrate why this nominee exemplifies the spirit of the Kevin Kooistra Award for Tourism Excellence.

The award will be presented during the Billings Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Celebration on September 24, 2026.

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The Kevin Kooistra Award for Tourism Excellence

The Kevin Kooistra Award for Tourism Excellence

Selection Criteria

The Kevin Kooistra Award for Tourism Excellence Nominee

get your visitor guide

get your
visitor guide