Smith named Alabama Welcome Center Employee of the Year

CONTRIBUTED BY ALABAMA TOURISM

LANETT — The Alabama Tourism Department recognized its 2025 award winners during the 2025 Alabama Governor’s Conference on Tourism held recently in Gulf Shores. There were 17 award categories, and 21 awards were presented.

Among the winners, Laura Smith of the Lanett Welcome Center was named as Alabama Welcome Center Employee of the Year.

Smith started working part-time at the Lanett Welcome Center in December 1985. She was promoted to manager in November 2012. She has collectively worked at the Lanett Welcome Center for almost 40 years.

Smith graduated from Auburn University in 1985. She is a member of First United Methodist Church of West Point, Georgia, where she is in the choir and serves on the leadership board and finance committee. She has two children, Lauren and Reynolds, and she will become a first-time grandmother in October.

“We have incredibly strong tourism industry professionals in Alabama, and those recognized this year are no exception,” said Alabama Tourism Director Lee Sentell. “Their unwavering leadership and dedication continue to elevate Alabama as one of the go-to destinations in America. We are proud to recognize the people and organizations that contribute to the success of tourism in the state.”