Rick Nielsen Nominated For Lincoln Award

The Illinois Office of Tourism is rolling out the red carpet for the state's first ever Lincoln Awards.

Inspired by the Steven Spielberg film Lincolnthe nominees are behind the scene stars that go the extra mile for the Illinois tourism industry.  The awards will be presented during a special program at the upcoming Excellence in Tourism Awards on February 27.

Rockford's own Rick Nielsen is nominated for Best Picture in Illinois. In addition to his international success with Cheap Trick, Nielsen most recently was the subject and brainchild behind the 'Rick's Picks: A Lifelong Affair with Guitars and Music' exhibit currently on display at Rockford's Burpee Museum of Natural History.  Other Best Picture contenders include Gina Bellisario and Jeffrey Ebbeler, authors and illustrators of The Twelve Days of Christmas in Illinois, and the Eagle.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau President & CEO, John Groh, is behind Nielsen. "We are thrilled to have Rick representing Rockford. His dedication to our area could not be more valuable to our community. His Rick's Picks exhibit is a not-to-be-missed experience. It closes on April 10 so make plans today to visit." said Groh. The exhibit was designed and curated by GrahamSpencer Inspired Strategic Communications of Rockford.

The awards will kick off the 2013 Illinois Governor's Conference on Travel & Tourism. The conference runs February 27 - March 1, in Rosemont at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. For more information and registration, please visit ilgovconference.com