MANAHAWKIN, N.J. - TelAve -- Lori A. Pepenella, CDME, of the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce and Southern Ocean Chamber Association, has been selected for the 2026 Senator Jim Whelan Memorial Tourism Award, the highest recognition issued by the New Jersey Tourism Industry. Presented annually in Trenton by New Jersey Tourism Industry Association, the award honors professionals whose work has made a profound and lasting impact on New Jersey's tourism economy. It recognizes individuals who embody Senator Whelan's legacy of leadership, public service, and dedication to advancing tourism.

Pepenella' s nomination reflects a career spanning more than two decades of service to New Jersey's tourism, cultural, and economic development sectors. Her volunteer leadership roles have included President of the New Jersey Tourism Industry Association, Chairs of Ocean County Culture and Heritage Commission, Ocean County Tourism Advisory Board, as well as Vice Chair of the Community Foundation of South Jersey.

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A defining hallmark of Pepenella' s work has been her commitment to reinvesting resources directly into the local creative economy. By prioritizing the hiring of regional talent, including web developers, marketing firms, videographers, radio producers, print publishers, and graphic designers, she ensured that promotional initiatives not only elevated the destination but also generated sustained work for dozens of small businesses.

Her long‑term vision is evident in the creation of the LBI Wedding Road Show, which transformed the region into a competitive wedding destination, and she played a pivotal role in securing early regional funding that ushered in important initiatives such as the Lighthouse International Film Festival, LBI Ferry Service, and the LBI Region Report Radio/Podcast. Pepenella strengthened and expanded the marketing of the Southern Ocean Chamber's event the LBI Chowderfest for fifteen years.

Her leadership has been especially significant during times of crisis. As New Jersey's DMO Chair during Superstorm Sandy, she coordinated statewide efforts to stabilize the tourism industry. During the COVID‑19 shutdown, she oversaw regional communications and launched programs that kept commerce active. She was the first woman in NJ to earn the Certified Destination Management Executive designation through Purdue and secured the LBI Region in the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP), an internationally respected standard for excellence in marketing and management.

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Pepenella' s contributions have been recognized through numerous honors, including the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore Women of Achievement, Rotary International's Paul Harris Fellow, designation as an Honorary Commander of Joint Base McGuire‑Dix‑Lakehurst, and the Ocean County Commissioner Tourism Achievement Award.

Her nomination places her among respected industry leaders who have been associated with the Senator Jim Whelan Award, including Jim Kirkos of the Meadowlands CVB, Michael Snyder of Visit South Jersey, Anthony Catanoso and Sharon Franz of Steel Pier Atlantic City.