Sheriff Quentin Miller, Chief Michael Lamb, J Chong of J Chong Eats, Reggie Tidwell of Curve Theory, and Jack Benton of Parks Hospitality Group received top honors for their leadership in the local travel and hospitality community during the Explore Asheville Superstar award ceremony at The Year Ahead partner event on January 31, 2024.
Since 2013, Explore Asheville has presented its annual Superstar Awards to partners who have been actively engaged with the CVB on multiple initiatives throughout the year and supportive of Explore Asheville’s efforts.
This year, each recognized community partner received a stained glass Explore Asheville award, handcrafted locally by Asheville artist Lindsey Barr of Mountain Magic Glass, demonstrating Explore Asheville’s commitment to supporting local creators and makers.
2023 Explore Asheville Superstar Recipients
Sheriff Quentin Miller of the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Department — A native of Buncombe County, Sheriff Miller’s leadership helps keep Buncombe County safe for residents, workers, customers, and guests. Most recently, the sheriff held listening sessions with downtown workers and businesses, resulting in collaboration with Chief Lamb and the APD to augment weekend public safety coverage downtown.
Chief Michael Lamb of the Asheville Police Department — Another Asheville native, Chief Lamb, has served the community for more than 20 years at the Asheville Police Department. Since being named interim police chief, Mike has worked expeditiously with neighborhoods, hotel owners, and operators to address the recent spate of car window breakings that impacted residents and visitors alike.
J Chong of J Chong Eats — J’s participation in Explore Asheville partner events, media content partnerships, and contributing freely and earnestly to the LGBTQIA+ working group are some of the many reasons why J was recognized this year.
Reggie Tidwell of Curve Theory — In addition to being a long-term rock star content partner, Reggie is recognized for his involvement in creating the logo and contributing to visual content for the new Black Cultural Heritage Trail.
Jack Benton of Parks Hospitality Group — Jack’s steadfast involvement in partner events—from meeting planner familiarization (FAM) events to tradeshow participation and supporting partner events makes him worthy of this honor.
A list of previous Explore Asheville Superstars can be found here.