Rick Nielsen nominated for Lincoln Award for Best Picture

Online Staff Report

Just in time for the Oscars, the Illinois Office of Tourism is rolling out the red carpet for the state’s brightest stars with the first-ever “Lincoln Awards.” Rockford’s own Rick Nielsen is nominated for Best Picture.

The nomination recognizes Nielsen’s international success with Cheap Trick, as well as his creative efforts behind the Rick’s Picks exhibit at Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main, Rockford.

The awards, inspired by the Oscar-nominated film Lincoln, will be presented during a special program at the upcoming Excellence in Tourism Awards Feb. 27.

Other Best Picture contenders include Gina Bellisario and Jeffrey Ebbeler, authors and illustrators of The Twelve Days of Christmas in Illinois, and the Eagle.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau President & CEO John Groh said: “We are thrilled to have Rick representing Rockford. His dedication to our area could not be more valuable to our community. His Rick’s Picks exhibit is a not-to-be-missed experience. It closes on April 10, so make plans today to visit.” The exhibit was designed and curated by GrahamSpencer Inspired Strategic Communications of Rockford.

Illinois Office of Tourism Deputy Director Jen Hoelzle added: “I have always felt the people and personalities that make up Illinois are our greatest asset. You simply will not find so many wonderful people anywhere else.”

The awards will kick off the 2013 Illinois Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism. The conference runs Feb. 27-March 1, in Rosemont at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. For more information and registration, visit ilgovconference.com.

Posted Feb. 18, 2013