Dee Lundy, a former resident of Harrogate and owner of Lundy & Associates, a public relations and advertising consulting firm in Knoxville, was awarded Allied Award of Excellence at the Tennessee Hotel and Lodging Association convention at Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville Tenn.

The award is given to recognized individuals in the tourism industry in Tennessee for their contribution, hard work, and professional statu. Lundy was selected from a wide variety of professionals who work in the tourism industry throughout Tennessee.

Lundy, & Associates was awarded for their work as publisher of the Tennessee Accommodations and Attractions Guide, a guide featuring hotels and attractions throughout Tennessee. 400,000 guides are printed and distributed to the Tennessee Welcome Centers and Rest Areas throughout the state. They also publish the Tennessee Hotel & Lodging Association Buyer's and Membership Guide.

In announcing the winner, master of ceremonies Joe Fisher, announcer for the Vanderbilt Commodores, stated,"In 2001, the Tennessee Hotel and Lodging Association made the decision to contract with Lundy & Associates to publish the Tennessee Accommodations and Attractions guide. She was given the award because she not only produced a much better guide, but more than doubled the distribution to 400,000 annually plus made a profit for the Tennessee Hotel and Lodging Association.

"I didn't have a clue I was getting an award until they called out my name," said Lundy

Some of the Tennessee dignitaries attending the convention include Governor Phil Bredesen, and Susan Whitaker, Commissioner of Tourism for Tennessee.

Lundy graduated from Powell Valley High School and received a bachelor of science degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations. In 2000, Lundy started Lundy & Associates, a public relations and advertising consulting firm in Knoxville. Some of her clients include the Tennessee Hotel and Lodging Association, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, Mountaintop Resorts, and Five Rivers Adventures White Water.Rafting.

Lundy & Associates also handles the public relations and advertising for Rhythm In the Hills 3 Day Music Festival in Pigeon Forge which last year's show included Loretta Lynn, Clint Black, Clay Walker, Joe Nichols, Jo Dee Messina, Josh Turner, Lorri Morgan, Lee Ann Womack, Julie Roberts, Buddy Jewell and more.

Lundy is the daughter of former Harrogate resident Mary Frances Lundy of Charleston, S.C., and Lowell Lundy of Barbourville, Ky