Kerrie Pope, Head of Events and Marketing at the Trentham Estate, has been crowned We Are Staffordshire's Ambassador of the Year. The award was presented at the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Business Awards on 9 July.
The Ambassador of the Year award recognises businesses or individuals who have worked to promote Staffordshire and tell the county's story through events and engagement. Kerrie was chosen from five finalists by We Are Staffordshire businesses and supporters.
Recognition for promotion work
Kerrie has worked closely with the We Are Staffordshire and Visit Staffordshire teams to promote the county as a visitor destination. She was presented with the award by Louisa Shaw, Head of Place Marketing for We Are Staffordshire, and Sharon Owusu, Young Ambassador Network Chair and Keele University student.
Speaking after receiving the award, Kerrie said: "I'm incredibly honoured to have received this award. Championing Trentham and showcasing everything Staffordshire has to offer is something I'm genuinely passionate about. It's a privilege to contribute wherever I can, whether that's hosting events at Trentham or representing the county further afield, as I recently did at the House of Commons."
She added that Staffordshire is "blessed with stunning landscapes, thriving businesses and fantastic communities" and encouraged others to become Ambassadors.
Fifth year of the award
This is the fifth year the Ambassador Award has been given. Previous winners include Joanne-Conroy Wilson of Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group, Karen Jennings of Lichfield Cathedral, Philip Carter of Leek-based Ornua Foods, and Gill and Will Sherwin of Newcastle-under-Lyme-based Best of British Beer.
There are now over 370 Staffordshire Ambassadors who have pledged their support to We Are Staffordshire. Hannah Ault, Place Board Chair for We Are Staffordshire, said: "It's fantastic to see the Staffordshire Ambassador category once again at the Chambers of Commerce Business Awards. We want to raise awareness of our ambassadors and all the work they do in promoting Staffordshire as a great place."
Hundreds of business owners and leaders attended the awards ceremony at Uttoxeter Racecourse.