2026 Rising Star Award Winner: Nicole Tinker

May 6th, 2026 in Pick Ellijay Events
Nicole Tinker Gilmer Tourism Awards Rising Star 2026

On May 5th, Tourism & Hospitality professionals from across Gilmer County came together for the second-annual Trailblazers Summit, hosted by Pick Ellijay. We celebrate the people, businesses, and stories that make Gilmer County such a memorable destination. Tourism is built through experiences — but those experiences are created by people. Outstanding members of the community were recognized for their dedication and contributions to tourism in Gilmer County with the Gilmer Tourism Awards.

The Rising Star Award recognizes an outstanding tourism or hospitality professional under the age of 40 who has demonstrated meaningful career progress, leadership potential, innovation, and commitment to the community. This award is about the future of our industry — and the people already leading it. This year’s Rising Star recipient is a leader whose impact can be felt in her company, among her team, throughout the short-term rental industry, and across the broader tourism community. It is our honor to announce Nicole Tinker, Blue Sky Cabin Rentals, as this year’s Rising Star!

Nicole has more than a decade of experience in hospitality and vacation rentals. She is known for her intelligence, work ethic, leadership, and deep knowledge of the industry. However, what comes through most strongly is how much she cares.

She cares about guests.
She cares about homeowners.
She cares about her employees.
She cares about her community.
And she cares about the future of tourism in Gilmer County.

Multiple team members described her as supportive, dependable, and always willing to step in wherever needed. One employee said they had never worked in a better environment because of her leadership. Another shared a story that says so much about the kind of leader she is. When an employee needed accommodations to work more comfortably, she noticed the need and acted without being asked — arranging new equipment so that employee could do their job with dignity and support. That is leadership.

Not just managing operations.
Not just solving problems.
But seeing people.

Her impact also reaches beyond her office. She has been involved with the Chamber, served in leadership within the short-term rental community, and contributed her time and expertise to the issues that shape local tourism. She represents career growth, leadership, motivation, innovation, and meaningful community commitment — all the qualities this award was created to recognize.

Congratulations to Nicole Tinker, recipient of the 2026 Rising Star Award!

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