The Legends Awards Nominees

The Kansas City Zoo is a deserving recipient of the Impact Award for its outstanding commitment to conservation, education, sustainability, and community engagement. Reaching more than 483,000 individuals annually through its education and conservation programs, the KC Zoo creates meaningful connections between people, wildlife, and the environment while inspiring future generations to become responsible stewards of our planet.

Beyond its conservation mission, the KC Zoo has made a significant impact on the gift and souvenir industry by creating retail experiences that extend the guest experience, support its mission, and foster lasting connections with visitors. Through thoughtful merchandise offerings that celebrate wildlife and conservation, the KC Zoo demonstrates how retail can be a powerful tool for education, storytelling, and guest engagement.

The Kansas City Zoo exemplifies leadership through its sustainability initiatives, including solar energy, waste reduction programs, environmentally conscious construction practices, and a commitment to net-zero emissions. By combining conservation, innovation, community service, and mission-driven retail, the Kansas City Zoo has created a lasting positive impact that extends well beyond its gates, making it an exceptional choice for the Impact Award. 

Vote for April Terranella!

For nearly five decades, Three Bears General Store has been more than a retail destination. Under the leadership of Fran Delozier, the family-owned business has become a cherished Smoky Mountain tradition, welcoming multigenerational families and continually reinventing itself to create memorable experiences while supporting local tourism and economic growth in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. After a devastating fire in 2008, the company rebuilt into a 40,000-square-foot destination, demonstrating remarkable resilience, innovation, and a commitment to its employees, customers, and community. Beyond its business success, Three Bears actively supports nonprofit organizations, schools, and community initiatives through donations, gift baskets, gift cards, and educational bear habitat experiences, while fostering wildlife education and creating a positive impact that extends far beyond its walls

Vote for Fran Delozier!

Call Of The Wild has been community minded since Morgan’s grandparents started Call Of The Wild in Gaylord Michigan. Throughout the decades, they have been totally involved in the community and the communities’ big event: Gaylord Alpenfest. In their wholesale buying, they are not just customers they are more partners in the business.  Extremely generous when it comes to sporting community events, large and small in the area.  Great people that exceptional at keeping employees long-term, which is a sign of a great employer.

Call of the Wild exemplifies the spirit of the Impact Award by transforming business success into meaningful environmental and community impact. Through its "Business for Good" model, the company creates engaging gift and souvenir products that educate consumers about wildlife conservation while helping fund rescue, research, and preservation efforts. Its commitment to inspiring future generations, supporting nonprofit conservation initiatives, and partnering with retailers to drive positive change demonstrates leadership that extends far beyond the marketplace. By connecting people with nature and turning everyday purchases into opportunities for giving back, Call of the Wild has created a lasting and meaningful influence on both the gift industry and the communities it serves.

Vote for Janis Vollmer, Morgan Vollmer, and Amanda Stout!

Kalahari is such an integral part of the community.  They do such great projects internally such as Kalahari committed $50 million through the "Water Colors Life Project" to bring clean and safe drinking water to 1 million people in Africa.  The initiative has raised over $12.2 million, funding more than 1,600 water projects across 12 countries and positively impacting hundreds of thousands of lives. They also donate tickets to the community to raise funds for their organizations. 

Kalahari Resorts is a highly deserving recipient of the Impact Award because its influence extends far beyond hospitality, creating meaningful and lasting benefits for communities both locally and globally. Through its comprehensive corporate social responsibility initiatives, Kalahari supports hundreds of local and national nonprofit organizations each year, invests in educational programs, and actively partners with community organizations in the regions it serves.

Kalahari has also demonstrated extraordinary leadership through its commitment to sustainability, implementing water conservation, recycling, energy-efficiency, and renewable energy initiatives across its resorts, including programs that save millions of gallons of water annually. Most notably, the company pledged $50 million through its "Water Colors Life Project" in partnership with charity: water to bring clean water to one million people across Africa, a transformational effort that will improve health, education, economic opportunity, and overall quality of life for future generations.

By combining business success with philanthropy, environmental stewardship, cultural appreciation, and community service, Kalahari Resorts exemplifies the spirit of the Impact Award and serves as a model for how organizations can create positive change that reaches far beyond their own walls.

Vote for Kellie Fox & Nikki Coyle!

Kent Reed's impact reaches far beyond the success of his career. For more than five decades, he has built a reputation rooted in integrity, kindness, fairness, and respect for others. He is known as someone who genuinely cares about people, values relationships above transactions, and consistently takes the time to encourage, mentor, and support those around him.

Throughout his career, Kent has shared his knowledge freely, helped others navigate challenges, and opened doors for countless individuals. He leads with humility, keeps his word, and treats everyone with the same level of respect, regardless of position or experience. His influence can be seen in the many professionals he has mentored, the friendships he has built, and the positive example he continues to set. His greatest legacy is not found in business achievements alone, but in the lives he has touched and the people he has inspired.

Vote for Kent Reed!

Marengo Cave exemplifies the spirit of the Impact Award through its enduring commitment to conservation, education, and community engagement. For more than a century, the cave has preserved one of Indiana’s most significant natural treasures while inspiring curiosity and learning through educational programs that connect students and visitors to geology, ecology, and environmental stewardship. Beyond its success as a tourism destination, Marengo Cave has strengthened its region by protecting natural resources, celebrating local heritage, and creating meaningful experiences for generations of guests. Its leadership in conservation and dedication to enriching both its community and the visitor experience have created a lasting legacy that benefits customers, colleagues, communities, and future generations.

Steven and Mary Jo‘s stewardship Marengo Cave has been extremely involved in all of their nearby local communities. One of their big events is a every other year caroling in the cave a free event they host. They also do many other smaller events and services aimed at bettering their communities. Great people that are exceptional at keeping employees long-term, which is a sign of a great employer

Vote for Steve & Mary Jo Calhoun!

She is the most passionate person I know in our entire industry. She will do anything to help others be successful and fully understands the retail industry from start to finish. She is one of the hardest workers I know. She can make anything happen and lifts her team up in ways I've never seen before. She certainly has made the greatest impact on me but I know she has on others in our industry as well!

It is with great pride that we nominate Charles Products Inc. for the Impact Award, recognizing a company whose influence extends beyond business success to positively impact its customers, employees, communities, and the gift and souvenir industry. For more than 74 years, Charles Products has built its business on creativity, collaboration, service, and meaningful partnerships. As a global supplier of custom apparel, gifts, toys, and souvenirs, the company has helped generations of destinations, attractions, and retailers transform their stories into products that create connections and lasting memories. Giving back is an important part of the Charles Products culture. The company and its employees actively support their communities through initiatives such as collecting books and toys for local schools and participating in Adopt-a-Road to help keep their local community clean and cared for. These efforts reflect the belief that being a successful company also means being a responsible and engaged community partner. Charles Products is equally committed to sustainability and responsible business practices. The company continues to evaluate how products are packaged and delivered, with an emphasis on reducing unnecessary packaging and minimizing waste while maintaining product quality. Innovation, leadership, and partnership remain at the heart of the organization. Charles Products continually invests in creative talent, trend-forward design, product development, and new capabilities while building relationships with customers, suppliers, and industry colleagues that often span decades. Charles Products’ impact is measured not simply by the products it has created, but by the relationships it has built, communities it has supported, businesses it has helped grow, and positive change it continues to inspire. For its commitment to innovation, community, sustainability, leadership, and service, Charles Products proudly embodies the spirit of the Impact Award.

Vote for Angela Dalby!

For more than 46 years, Annie Oakley Perfumery has made a lasting impact on America’s gift and souvenir industry by bringing together American craftsmanship, innovation, education, community engagement, and personal service.

Founded by perfumer Renee A. Gabet in 1980 in Ligonier, Indiana, Annie Oakley has grown into a third-generation family business and the only working perfumery of its kind in the United States. Its fragrances are hand-blended at the family perfumery, giving retailers an authentic Made-in-America story and connecting customers with the artistry and people behind every product.

Annie Oakley’s influence extends far beyond creating beautiful fragrances. For decades, the company has helped independent gift shops, Western lifestyle stores, boutiques, pharmacies, tack shops, and tourism retailers grow. Through complimentary displays, testers, sampling materials, product education, social-media resources, and support, Annie Oakley equips small retailers to create memorable customer experiences and compete in a changing marketplace.

The perfumery welcomes visitors for sensory tours and hands-on fragrance experiences, introducing guests of all ages to the art and science of perfumery while supporting tourism throughout Indiana’s Amish Country. Annie Oakley also gives back to its community by supporting first responders and children, continuing the generous spirit exemplified by its namesake, Annie Oakley. Its commitment to formulation, natural botanicals, and responsible American production reflects the belief that business should care for people and place.

Most importantly, Annie Oakley Perfumery has been built to endure. Through three generations of family leadership, it continues to preserve a rare American craft while serving independent retailers and creating meaningful experiences for customers and visitors. Annie Oakley Perfumery embodies the innovation, leadership, service, and enduring community spirit at the heart of the Impact Award.

Vote for Annie Oakley!

Amazing presence and personality at the booth. She has outstanding talent and skills.

Vote for Emily Blunting!

I am honored to nominate Karen Tichy for the Legends Award in recognition of more than 20 years of dedication, vision, and contribution to the collegiate and resort retail industry.

Karen began her career in the collegiate market, where she built strong relationships and a deep understanding of the industry. But Karen has always been someone who sees opportunities beyond what is already being done. She recognized the tremendous potential in the resort retail market and had the vision to pursue it.

What makes Karen a true industry leader is that she didn’t just see the opportunity—she convinced others to believe in it too. She encouraged vendors to take a chance on the resort market, even when it was outside their traditional focus. Then, through hard work, persistence, relationships, and determination, Karen proved her theory correct.

She helped create new opportunities for vendors and customers while building a successful business based on something she has always valued: relationships. Her philosophy, “We not only build business…we build relationships,” is more than a tagline—it is the way Karen has conducted herself throughout her career.

After more than two decades in the industry, Karen continues to bring energy, creativity, and an entrepreneurial spirit to the business. Her willingness to take a chance, challenge the status quo, and prove what is possible has made a lasting impact on both the collegiate and resort markets.

Karen didn’t simply participate in this industry—she helped open doors to new possibilities.

For her years of dedication, her vision, her perseverance, and the impact she has made on the people and businesses around her, I am proud to nominate Karen Tichy for the Legends Award.

Vote for Karen Tichy!

At ARTfully at Heart, we believe beautiful products can leave a meaningful impact. Sustainability and giving back are built into how we grow our business—from sourcing sustainable materials and offering products made in the USA to committing 1% of our annual revenue through 1% for the Planet.

Our nonprofit partnership with the National Museum of Wildlife Art brings that commitment full circle. By supporting the Museum’s work connecting people—especially children—with wildlife, art, creativity, and conservation, we’re helping foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world that inspires so many of our own designs.

As a small, woman-owned business, donating 1% of revenue—not simply profits—is a significant commitment. For ARTfully at Heart, impact isn’t something we plan to pursue once we’re bigger; it’s part of how we’re choosing to grow. Every product we create and every customer we reach helps us turn creativity into a force for something bigger.

Vote for Kathryn Yoder McCollum!

Mary Neaf is the founding owner and president of Florida State Distributors, a family-owned company she built into a leader in the souvenir industry. For more than 45 years, Mary has dedicated her career to innovation, exceptional service, partnerships and growth. From its 40,000-square-foot Orlando facility, Florida State Distributors serves theme parks, zoos, aquariums, museums, casinos, national parks, and major attractions worldwide.

Mary’s journey began with a simple idea and determination. After growing up in California and moving to Hawaii, Mary and her late husband, Art Neaf, entered the promotional products industry, inspired by Art’s college friend who had found success in the keychain business. After nine months in Las Vegas, they chose Orlando and began with a custom name keychain.

When marketing relied heavily on personal relationships and door-to-door sales, Mary built the company one customer at a time. Her dedication, creativity, exceptional service, and fast turnaround earned the trust of major organizations and grew a local business into an international supplier.

Mary’s greatest legacy is the family culture she created. She brought her parents and siblings into the business and extended that same spirit to every employee. She believes in teaching others, creating opportunities, and encouraging new ideas. Approximately 25 years ago, she welcomed 12 students from around the world to learn, grow, and contribute their talents.

Under Mary’s leadership, the company expanded into Orlando, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles while maintaining the personal service that built its reputation. Her philosophy remains simple: take care of the customer, keep your promises, and always go the extra mile.

After four decades, Mary Neaf’s impact extends beyond her products. She has built a legacy of entrepreneurship, innovation, family, service, and opportunity. Her leadership and influence make her an exceptional Industry Legends Award candidate.

Vote for Mary Neaf!

They have been in the industry for the longest time.  Never have they not asked if we need help setting up or breaking down.  Both of them are the best human beings and a credit to any show they attend.

Vote for Ronnie & Bill Villani!

For nearly 50 years, Wild Republic has believed business can be a force for good. Its impact is measured not only by the products it creates, but by the people it invests in, the partnerships it builds and the communities it supports worldwide.

Founded on the belief that people protect what they understand, Wild Republic helps children connect with wildlife and the natural world. Its mission, “Connecting humans and animals to live in peace,” guides how the company operates and gives back.

Wild Republic partners with zoos, aquariums, museums, national parks and conservation organizations to support wildlife education and habitat protection. It has also helped lead the industry’s transition to recycled fill, responsible materials and packaging that reduces waste. Today, Wild Republic offers the industry’s largest line of certified sustainable stuffed animals and has recycled the equivalent of more than 528 million plastic water bottles.

At the heart of this work are Wild Republic’s employees. The family-owned company invests in education, certifications, internships and opportunities for people to grow, contribute ideas and help shape their future.

Employees around the globe give their time, resources and products to children’s hospitals, charities, environmental projects and families in need. Their work includes hospital donations in Australia, holiday giving in Denmark, beach cleanups in California, community support in Ohio and long-standing support for a home for girls in India.

Wild Republic’s legacy is reflected in the employees given opportunities to thrive, children inspired to care, conservation partners strengthened, communities supported and industry practices changed. That lasting impact is why Wild Republic deserves the Legends Impact Award.

Vote for Vish Chandran!