Louisiana Travel Association Honors DMWM and JAC’s Craft Smokehouse

Ouachita Parish shined at the 2025 Louisiana Travel Association Annual Meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, at ULM Bayou Pointe Event Center. 

 

The association honored Discover Monroe-West Monroe as CVB of the Year, which operated on a budget of $1 million and above. Ouachita Parish scored a tourism economic impact of $30.11 million in 2024. The parish had an impressive year with hosting 191 events, and visitors spent $199 per day. During the awards ceremony, the announcer highlighted sports tourism as one of the area’s major attractions. In 2024, the NJCAA DI Men’s & Women’s Track & Field National Championships brought in $1,125,014.97 in the parish. 

 

“It is an extreme honor to win CVB of the Year from the Louisiana Travel Association. The staff at Discover Monroe-West Monroe work diligently to bring sports, groups, and leisure travelers to our community throughout the year. Our efforts produced significant results for our community. The year 2024 was a great year for tourism and its impact on the economy of Ouachita Parish. With our investment in the facilities in our community, the top four facilities, Sterlington Sports Complex, Ouachita Sportsplex, The Ike, and the newest West Monroe Sports and Events, produced over $15.8 million in impact through events we brought to the area. We are proud of our area and believe our service, people, experiences, and efforts showcase all there is to Discover in Monroe-West Monroe,” said President and CEO Alana Cooper of DMWM.

 

Tracy and Kristi Carter of JAC’s Craft Smokehouse in West Monroe received Restaurateur of the Year. 

 

Visitors can find their award-winning gourmet sauces and experience the reason JAC’s has become a local barbeque favorite in Antique Alley in West Monroe.

 

“One of our local restaurants was also honored with Restaurant of the Year. We are excited for the Tracy and Kristi Carter to receive validation into their outstanding product and service at Jac’s Craft Smokehouse. It is exciting to see an entrepreneur’s dream and efforts recognized on a state level. Congratulations to the Carter’s for building such an excellent reputation and experience for locals and visitors at Jac’s,” said Cooper. 

 

Both awardees were recognized during the Louey Tourism Awards ceremony at the annual meeting. 

 

The LTA honors and showcases individuals and organizations which have made outstanding contributions to the Louisiana tourism industry. The recipients are recognized annually during the evening portion of the LTA Annual Meeting.