The Marion Chamber of Commerce on June 24 announced plans to honor Troy Keeping at the Annual MCOC Awards Banquet & Roast on Sept. 22 in Southland Park Gaming & Racing’s recently remodeled second-floor banquet room.
Keeping – president and general manager at the Delaware North-owned-and-operated Southland Park Gaming & Racing in West Memphis, Ark. – was honored earlier this year as the 2014 Tourism Person of the Year at the Henry Awards during the 41st Annual Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism.
The annual statewide award recognizes individuals who have been actively involved and made substantial contributions in the tourism industry.
With more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality and gaming industry, Keeping, who also serves as a regional vice president of Delaware North’s gaming business, has spent eight years at Southland Park, leading the charge for it to become one of the region’s largest and fastest growing gaming and entertainment destinations.
“In addition to the economic impact he has made in our area, his commitment to the betterment of Crittenden County has been evidenced by his tremendous efforts to give back to the community in a variety of ways, including overwhelming support of the local Chambers of Commerce,” officials said.
“I am proud to be part of this community and delighted to be recognized by the Marion Chamber as this year’s honoree, but I am intuitive enough to know that I may be the recipient of some good ol’ ribbing, too,” Keeping said, referring to the roast portion of the evening.
A chamber official echoed Keeping’s sentiments.
“We are pleased to have the opportunity to recognize local individuals that have made a positive impact on our region at our annual banquets. Troy has been a great supporter of the Marion Chamber and we wanted to thank him for all he has done for us and for our area. We look forward to an evening of good-natured fun and a strong show of appreciation for him, as well as recognition for our annual award winners,” said Tracy Brick, director of events and member services for the Marion Chamber of Commerce.