Garden's Patrons Win Tourism Excellence Award
Andreas Haun, manager of Kingsbrae Garden, accepts the Minister's Award for Tourism Excellence on behalf of Lucinda and John Flemer from Joan MacAlpine-Stiles, Minister of Tourism and Parks.
The Minister's Award for Tourism Excellence was created to salute individuals or organizations within the province who have undertaken special initiatives in support of the provincial tourism strategy that have resulted in significant economic spin-offs for the tourism industry or have greatly enhanced the tourism experience for visitors.
The 2006 Minister's Award for Tourism Excellence is awarded to Lucinda and John Flemer. Minister MacAlpine-Stiles said in her remarks:
"It is my very great pleasure to pay tribute to the Flemers for the exceptional contribution they have made and continue to make to our tourism industry.
"A descendant of the first resort visitors, Mrs. Flemer has worked with her husband over the years to preserve and enhance the St. Andrews she has known and loved. Kingsbrae Garden is the most significant of these efforts.
"Built on the grounds of the summer home of Mrs. Flemer’s parents and grandparents, the Garden was developed through a partnership involving the Flemer family, the Province of New Brunswick, the Town of St. Andrews and the community at large. Along with donating the family estate, the Flemers established a substantial endowment fund to ensure the long-term care and sustainability of the Garden.
"The Flemers and the highly qualified professional and technical team they brought together, have produced a horticultural gem that enriches the lives of both visitors and local residents.
"The Flemers' work in St. Andrews goes well beyond the development and stewardship of a world-class attraction. They offer non-profit organizations assistance though in kind and financial contributions, fund marketing initiatives with local businesses and support numerous community improvement projects.
"The Flemers' leadership is not that of the out front flag-bearer – they prefer to work quietly in the background. For all of us in the tourism industry and beyond, John and Lucinda Flemer provide a powerful example of how creativity, a philosophy of caring, and a spirit of cooperation can inspire and enrich an entire community."
