The Jersey Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau has announced the recipients of the 2012 Big Wave Awards,
which will be presented at the CVB’s 3rd Annual Night of Honors, Wednesday, October 17, at 6 pm, at the Sheraton,
Eatontown NJ. This annual event, open to the public, recognizes the individuals, businesses and organizations
that have had an outstanding impact on New Jersey Shore’s tourism, economic development and community in
both Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Below are this year’s five honorees, including Bobbi Steele, Ocean County
Tourism’s long-time Director, who retired in July:

Lifetime Achievement Award: Barbara W. Steele
"This award is presented to the person who has been a long-standing figure in the tourism community and
who has had an immense impact on NJ Shore tourism."
Barbara Steele has had a hand in developing everything that the Ocean County tourism community has to offer our
visitors. Bobbi is an example of true dedication and commitment, and her presence in Ocean County Tourism will be greatly missed.

Anchor Award: Monmouth University 1933-2012
"Honoring an organization that has been a force for positive change and an asset to the Jersey Shore community."
The University has been steadfast in its ongoing transformation to become a first-choice destination school, by progressively raising admission criteria for incoming students and enhancing the quality of its academic programs. Within its student body, 29 states and 28 foreign nations are represented.

Rising Tide Award: Joe LoBello of Driven By Excellence
"Honoring an individual or organization that, although new to the Jersey Shore, has quickly made an exceptional impact on tourism." Driven by Excellence is a unique concept in the limousine / transportation industry. Owner Joe LoBello has showcased and promoted our destinations through his successful Jersey Shore historic tours and has gained international visibility with his Jersey Shore Rock and Roll tour. With Joe’s drive and direction, he is an ambassador of the Jersey Shore’s Excellence!

Jersey Shore Icon Award: Tim McLoone
"Honoring an individual or organization that embodies the essence of the Jersey Shore." Local musician Tim McLoone opened his first restaurant, McLoone's Rum Runner, overlooking the Shrewsbury River in Sea Bright in 1987. McLoone's Pier House, McLoone's Asbury Grille and Tim McLoone's Supper Club followed in 1988--as much to carve a niche for himself as a restaurateur, as well as to establish a place to perform with his musician friends, including Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, Southside Johnny and Bob Bandiera. Tim is best known for his creation of Holiday Express, a non-profit, non-sectarian organization dedicated to bringing music, gifts and holiday cheer to those less fortunate.

Spirit of the Shore Award: Joint Base Mcguire-Dix-Lakehurst "Honoring an individual or organization whose service and commitment to the Jersey Shore
goes above and beyond the call of duty." More than 44,000 Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard, civilian employees, and their families live and work on and around Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, and many of them reside in, and do business within, our Jersey Shore Region. JBMDL is the second largest employer in the state and welcomes hundreds of new recruits, trainees, government contractors, military and government visitors every year, resulting in a tremendous impact on our tourism and local economy. The Joint Base has demonstrated a genuine interest in its surrounding communities, fostering relationships with local organizations, businesses and civilians. As one of the greatest destinations in New Jersey, JBMDL is rich with American history, and we are proud and privileged that the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst is part of our Jersey Shore community.

For more information about the Big Wave Awards and the outstanding honorees that are being recognized for their accomplishments and dedication to tourism, please go to www.visitthejerseyshore.com. For ticket sales, visit
http://www.jerseyshorepayments.info or call the Convention and Visitors Bureau at 732-244-9283.