NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Nashville Convention and Visitor’s Corporation is honoring those who keep the city's hospitality industry strong with a special recognition called the Hitmaker Award.
Nashville’s tourism industry is vital to Music City’s economy with more than $7 billion spent by visitors in 2018.
Last year more than 260 events were held at the Music City Center generating a record-breaking $440 million dollars.
Music City Center Ambassador Gail Gunn is one of the people who makes the Music City Center work. “I’m the first one they see, so I greet them, they ask me directions to where they need to be, even around the Music City Center. This being such a big place,” Gunn said.
Gunn is on the front lines of tourism in our city, meeting people from all over the world. She wakes up at 2:30 AM every morning for her 6 AM shift to get her mind right for each of those tourists.
“This is my purpose, and it is to pour the love of God into other people as soon as they come in that door that they see Jesus and not me,” Gunn said.
She was recently given the Hitmaker Award after being nominated by someone who passes by on her way to work.
She wrote in that Gunn has a genuine smile and is friendly with everyone.
Every month the Nashville CVC honors an outstanding worker with a certificate and a banquet at the end of the year.
“It lets me know that people recognize what I do and then when I can pour out to them with just a smile on my face or something, that lets me know my job is well done,” said Gunn.
Gail’s manager Edwin Smith says the Nashville native is doing her part to make sure everyone who visits Music City leaves with a great impression.
“The great thing about Nashville is always going to be the people. How positive they are, what they talk about in the city, and Gail exemplifies that I think very well,” said Music City Center Guest Experience Manager Edwin Smith.
If you would like to nominate someone for a Hitmaker Award you can submit their nomination online.
