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The Cumberland Gap Regional Tourism Association held their annual Region Strong Awards Tuesday, and several local community members were recognized for their outstanding work within the community. Middlesboro City Councilman Boone Bowling was awarded with the Strong Award. “I just want to say thank you to Cumberland Gap Regional Tourism Association for all that they do for our area,” Bowling said. “It’s an honor to have been picked for the Strong Award. You all have done a wonderful job over the last few years to promote tourism and communication between the 10 counties, and it shows through the leaders in our area that have bought into your organization. Thank you all.”

The annual meeting and awards ceremony was held at the Bell Theater in Pineville. Other winners included: Joe Wolfenbarger and Tony Maxwell for their business expansion in Cumberland Gap, Deborah Chumley for her work with Servolution, Tony Lawson with the Lee Theatre in Pennington Gap, and Pineville Mayor Scott Madon.