By Jeff Neff—
MUNCIE, IN—Two people who welcome visitors to Downtown Muncie every day were honored by the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC) as 2026 Hoosier Hospitality Award winners. Josh Priest, General Manager of Ron Lahody’s Trust Your Butcher Steakhouse & Butcher’s Lounge, and Lori Jessee, Visitor Specialist at Destination: Muncie, received their awards at a ceremony on Tuesday, October 27 at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis.
The Hoosier Hospitality Award recognizes tourism industry partners who go above and beyond to showcase the best of Indiana. Community members and visitors submit nominations, and the IDDC reviews them and selects the winners. Muncie had two of this year’s honorees.
“Visitors decide how they feel about a place based on the people they meet there,” said Jeff Neff, Director of Marketing and Community Engagement at Destination: Muncie. “Josh and Lori are often the first people someone meets in town and the ones they remember long after they leave. This award is well deserved for both of them, and it shows how much hospitality matters to our community growth.”
Priest was nominated by Jeff Neff of Destination: Muncie after helping make a statewide group’s first visit to Muncie a memorable one. In June 2026, Destination: Muncie hosted the Indiana Society of Association Executives at the Horizon Convention Center and chose Ron Lahody’s Trust Your Butcher Steakhouse, a Downtown Muncie landmark since 2018, for the group’s opening reception.
With many attendees visiting Muncie for the first time, Priest brought in extra staff and worked outside normal hours to make sure the guest experience went smoothly. He also used the event to spotlight the local businesses that make Muncie distinct. He hosted the first-ever lounge performance by Doc and The Little Chicago Band, helped bring in beer from Guardian Brewing Company and wine from Tonne Winery, and partnered with The Downtown Farmstand to serve their desserts. The result was a first impression of Muncie built on its people and its businesses.
“I am truly honored and humbled to receive this recognition,” commented Priest. “This honor would not be possible without the dedication and hard work of our incredible team. I look forward to continuing to provide exceptional dining experiences and serving our guests from Muncie and beyond.”
Jessee is a familiar face at the Destination: Muncie Visitors Center. As Visitor Specialist, she helps travelers, new residents, and locals explore the exciting attractions, restaurants, and stories of Muncie and Delaware County.
Jessee’s nomination shared the story of a visitor who called ahead asking about the area but couldn’t arrive in Muncie until late evening. Jessee put together a packet of the community’s highlights, including a Destination: Muncie Experience Guide and a local map, and taped it to the Visitors Center’s front door so it would be waiting. After the visit, the traveler reached back out with some news: they had decided to move to Muncie.
“Every day is a new adventure as we welcome visitors from around the world and share what makes our community special. I love being part of a community that uplifts and supports its local people, businesses, and attractions,” said Jessee. “Working at Destination: Muncie has been by far the best experience of my career.”
Her colleagues say Jessee could share a story about almost anything in the community, and she tells each one with a smile. Her favorite saying is “You are never too old to learn something new,” and her life reflects it. She studied at Ivy Tech and Ball State University and has worked in sales, marketing, management, and entrepreneurship. She brings all of that experience to every visitor that walks through the door.
The two honorees work just a block apart on Walnut Street, and together they reflect the connection visitors will find throughout Delaware County.
About Indiana Destination Development Corporation
The Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC) was formed by the Indiana Legislature in 2019 to promote Indiana as a great place for living, visiting, learning, and earning. The IDDC became incorporated on July 1st, 2020. The Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) evolved into the new organization, creating a seamless experience for tourism and talent attraction partners. Increasing the knowledge that builds pride in Indiana will help the state fill open jobs, grow talent, and elevate views of its distinctive sense of place.
About Destination: Muncie
Destination: Muncie promotes economic development in Muncie and the surrounding communities within Delaware County, Indiana by attracting visitors whose dollars spent here will have a significant impact on the economic well-being of the area and quality of life benefits for area residents and future visitors.
