Amanda Cottrell, chairman of Visit Kent and patron of Produced in Kent, has been named as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the New Year Honours 2011
New Year honour for Visit Kent Chairman
Amanda Cottrell, chairman of Visit Kent and patron of Produced in Kent, has been named as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the New Year Honours 2011
Amanda, who lives in Challock, has been recognised for her outstanding service to the county.
In addition to her work for Visit Kent, the private public partnership supporting the county’s �2.5 billion tourism industry, Amanda is a Kent Ambassador, a trustee and friend of Canterbury Cathedral, a trustee of the Kent Community Housing Trust and the Kent Wildlife Trust.
She is also a vice president of the Canterbury Festival and chairman of Fairbridge Kent supporting young people across Kent and Medway.
A former High Sheriff of Kent, Amanda has served as a magistrate for more than 20 years, been a member and chairman of her local parish council, a school governor, county president of the Kent Girl Guides, and president of the NSPCC in Kent.
Sandra Matthews-Marsh, chief executive of Visit Kent, has worked with Amanda for the past six years. She said: “To anyone who is lucky enough to know Amanda, this honour will be no surprise. She is one in a million with tremendous energy and drive.
“Amanda has dedicated her life to serving the people of Kent and assisting numerous community groups and organisations in achieving their goals.
“Her work as chairman of Visit Kent is invaluable in supporting local tourism, leisure and hospitality businesses and representing our county both at home and overseas.
“She is a remarkable person and I am delighted that her contribution to our county has been recognised in the New Year Honours.”
The OBE is one class in an order of chivalry established in 1917 by George V. Earlier this year Amanda was presented with a Kent Invicta Award by Kent County Council.
This prestigious county award recognises an individual’s hard work and dedication in giving exceptional service to, or acting as a role model for, the residents of Kent.
In addition to a trophy featuring the Invicta horse, Amanda was presented with a �5,000 charitable cheque which she donated to the Fairbridge Trust.
• Visit Kent Limited is a public/private sector partnership supported by Kent County Council, Medway Council, the district and borough councils, Tourism South East and the leading sector tourism businesses in Kent. Visit Kent champions Kent’s �2.5 billion tourism industry by targeting UK and overseas markets, improving quality and skills and growing investment in the tourism product.
