Virginia Motorcoach Association AWARDS PrograM

Each year, the Virginia Motorcoach Association recognizes members or industry affiliates with awards for extraordinary accomplishment, substantial contribution to the association or the industry, and / or exceptional ethic.

It is important that all VMA members take advantage of this opportunity to recognize your company or your peers. Each of you knows a colleague who excels in his or her field, and we would like the entire VMA Membership have the opportunity to appreciate them.

VMA Robert T Mitchell Award

The Robert T Mitchell Award - a member or an industry affiliate may be chosen by the VMA nominating committee for outstanding achievement during the preceding year.

Quick's Bus Company's Mona Seaman accepts the prestigious 2024 Robert T Mitchell award from previous Robert T Mitchell Award Member and VMA Immediate Past President Roddy Mitchell, along with VMA President J. Morgan Brown. Mona was recognized for her tireless dedication to the VMA, serving repeated terms as VMA Treasurer and serving on several key committees, as well as her constant efforts going out of her way to support coach operators throughout Virginia.

VMA President's Award

The President's Award - a member or an industry affiliate may be chosen by the VMA president for outstanding achievement during the preceding year.

Julie Levengood, Tuscarawas CVB, was recognized as the 2024 President's Award winner. Julie was cited by VMA President J Morgan Brown in recognition of her role as a goodwill ambassador, bridging gaps within the varied segments of VMA membership, leading travel partners and developing relationships, making all members, old and new, feel welcome and accepted into the VMA fold, and readily accepting leadership challenges in service to the Virginia Motorcoach Association.

VMA Operator of the Year Award

The Operator of the Year award - an operator member may be nominated by any operator member in good standing. Final nominations are voted on by all operator members.

Newton's Bus Service 3rd generation President, Casey Newton, along with son and potential 4th generation President, Patrick Newton, accepts the 2024 Operator of the Year award from VMA President J Morgan Brown.

VMA Associate of the Year Award

The Associate of the Year award - an associate member may be nominated by any associate member in good standing. Final nominations are voted on by all associate members.

TEMSA NA Southeast Region Manager, Tim Gulden, accepts the 2024 Associate of the Year award from VMA President J Morgan Brown.

As a reminder, all nominees' employers or businesses must be VMA members in good standing in order to be considered for an award. We are happy to reach out to any member whose employee or company is under consideration to resolve any concerns.

Life Member Award

Life Member awards, while not presented annually, are presented to a retiring VMA member who has shown particular dedication to the association and to the industry over the period of time they've been involved in the industry. Life members may be nominated by the board of directors, sometimes on the recommendation of a VMA member.

In 2024, the VMA awarded LIfe Membership to three deserving retired VMA members.

A VMA member since the early 1990s, Pamela has consistently contributed to the association through her extensive tourism expertise, her helpful participation, and her unwavering presence at VMA’s annual meetings. She has provided the Marketplace binder sponsorship for several years, initially while at Smith Theatre and later at Tour Tennessee, demonstrating her enduring support for the association throughout her distinguished career. Perhaps Pamela's most profound contribution lies in her role as a mentor, generously offering guidance and support to numerous new tourism associates. Her mentorship has become a cherished resource, fostering growth and confidence among emerging associates and cementing Pamela's legacy with VMA. Pamela's multifaceted contributions have indelibly shaped the joint meeting landscape, leaving an indelible mark on both the event itself and the individuals fortunate enough to benefit from her wisdom and generosity.	Since 1975, John has demonstrated great support for Virginia’s tourism industry through board seats on both the Luray Caverns board and Virginia Restaurant and Lodging Association board. He has served as Vice Chair on the Town of Luray Planning Commission, is Past President of the Shenandoah Valley Travel Association, the Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce, and the Luray Rotary Club. He has also received a lifetime achievement award from the NTA. Through John’s years of service with Luray Caverns, the organization has unwaveringly supported the VMA through its membership and John’s consistent attendance at the meetings and at marketplace annually since 1986.	Stephen Story has dedicated over 40 years to the transportation industry, beginning his career with James River Transportation in high school and progressing through various departments, including maintenance, dispatch, safety, and management. He recently retired as President of the company. As an industry leader, Stephen has been instrumental in developing and implementing innovations within his company. He has been a gracious and supportive partner to his colleagues, consistently sharing his knowledge and expertise on industry issues, and using his company’s advances to advocate for the betterment of the transportation industry as a whole. During his career, he served on the VMA Board of Directors as a board member, treasurer, and President of the association. Stephen's dedication and leadership have left an indelible mark on the transportation industry, making him a deserving nominee for VMA Life Membership.

VMA Life Members and guest in attendance at the 2024 VMA-MCASC-NCMA Regional Meeting.

As a reminder, all nominees' employers or businesses must be VMA members in good standing in order to be considered for an award. We are happy to reach out to any member whose employee or company is under consideration to resolve any concerns.

2025 Nomination Forms for Associate of the Year and Operator of the Year will be available during the Spring of 2025.

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Award History

Robert T Mitchell Award

2024 - Mona Seaman, Quick's Bus Company
2023 - Peter Pantuso, American Bus Association
2022 - Ken Presley, United Motorcoach Association
2021 - Jason Quick, Quick's Bus Company
2020 - No award presented due to Covid
2019 - Fred Abbott, Abbott Bus Lines
2018 - Jimmy Hall, Venture Tours
2017 - Larry Williams, LW Transportation
2016 - J Morgan Brown, Magic Carpet Tours
2015 - Tim O'Bryan, Service Insurance Agency
2014 - Chuck Andrews, WorldStrides
2013 - James Brown, Magic Carpet Tours
2012 - Robbie Quick, Quick's Bus Service
2011 - Eddie Sours, Richard's Bus Lines
2010 - Betty Jo Counselman, Virginia Coach Company
2009 - John Shaffer, Luray Caverns
2008 - Gwen Elmore,  Fun Tours
2007 - Evaleigh Estes, Dashing Cavalier Tours
2004 - Dave Bolen, New World Tours
2003 - Doug Douglas, Virginia Motorcoach Association
2002 - Elaine Ford, Holiday Inn Wilmington/Newark
2001 - Bruce Newton, TourTime
2000 - Jim Counselman, Virginia Coach Company
1999 - Lucille Newton, Newton's Bus Service
1997 - Jan Goggan, Myrtle Beach Adventures
1996 - Fred Abbott, Abbott Bus Lines
1995 - Stephen Story, James River Bus Lines
1994 - Calvin Major Esq, Counsel for VMA
1993 - Vernon Franklin, Franklin Bus Lines
1992 - David Shingleton, Tourtime America
1991 - Marvin Fisher, Virginia Overland Charter Service
1990 - Gary Estes, Tourtime America
1989 - Joe Nooney, Nooney Bus Lines
1988 - Ashby Johnson, Trailways
1987 - Nancy Nagel, VMA Executive Director
1986 - O.T. Howell, Trailways
1985 - E.J. Stephans, D&M Bus Lines
1984 - Robert L Quick, Quick-Livick Bus Lines
1983 - John C Estes, Cavalier Transportation
1982 - H. Lester Creech, Trailways
1981 - Alvin Newton, Newton's Bus Service
1980 - Richard A Trice, Trailways
1979 - Woodrow Story, James River Bus Lines
1978 - J. W. Whitt, Greyhound
1977 - Harris Mitchell, VBA Secretary / Treasurer
1976 - Taft Abbott, Abbott Bus Lines
1975 - J. Wiser Stowe, Lynchburg Transit Company
1974 - R.F. Lawson, AB&W Bus Lines
1973 - Alvin Bandy, Bandy Bus Lines
1972 - C.E. Hall, Greyhound
1971 - Hon. H. Lester Hooker, State Corporation Commission
1970 - K.A. Bradshaw, Virginia Transit Company
1969 - H.D. Brown, Greyhound
1968 - D.A. Reynolds, Trailways