Flint & Genesee Convention and Visitors Bureau Honors Industry
(FLINT, MICH) This evening, the winners of the 25th Annual Flint & Genesee Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) Hospitality Awards were announced. More than 100 people were on hand at the Holiday Inn Gateway Centre as the industry’s best were recognized.
Tim Herman CEO of the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce says the individuals and businesses honored tonight play a vital role in strengthening our region and encouraging people to ‘See what’s possible’ in Flint and Genesee.
“First impressions matter,” said Herman. “Tonight’s winners are on the frontlines of creating first impressions for visitors to this region. They are the people who have made a commitment to providing customer service excellence in whatever role they play. I applaud them all for a job well done. Their spirit is a testament to what makes Flint & Genesee a welcoming community.”
Each year the Flint & Genesee CVB collaborates with hotels, restaurants and business establishments to gather customer commendations for high levels of hospitality and customer service from across the region. For the first time this year, a Community Champion was also honored for assisting the CVB with bringing a meeting to the region with the greatest economic impact to the region.
Cheryl DeFrain, Director of the Flint & Genesee CVB says the Hospitality Award winners and nominees represent the establishments that are cited time and again by customers as going above and beyond to provide excellent service.
“Recognizing people who rarely receive praise is incredibly gratifying,” said DeFrain. “The Hospitality Awards represent a huge thank you from the community for a job well done. That’s why this event is so important. The CVB created the event to shine a light on the excellent work the hospitality industry does every day. Tonight the superstars of customer service truly had an opportunity to shine.”
The 2013 Hospitality Awards honored the following individuals and businesses:
- Best Front Desk Staff – De’Aidre Avant, Holiday Inn Express of Grand Blanc
- Best Hostess – Cherish Cowan, Holiday Inn Gateway
- Transportation Award – Mary Galloway, Holiday Inn Express of Grand Blanc
- Best Food Server – Nate Johnson, The Residence Inn
- Best Hotel Housekeeper – Angela Murphy, Hampton Inn & Suites
- Best Bartender – Adam Davis, Holiday Inn Gateway
- Outstanding Customer Service – Norma Jean Barlow, Holiday Inn Express of Flint
- Hospitality Ambassador of the Year – Sheryl Champine, Holiday Inn Gateway
- Hospitality Restaurant of the Year – J. Porter’s American Chophouse
- Hospitality Hotel of the Year – Wingate by Wyndam
- Community Champion – David White
The 2013 Hospitality Awards were made possible by event sponsors Baker College of Flint and the Mass Transportation Authority.
Media contacts:
Elaine Redd
Flint & Genesee Chamber
(810) 600-1418
Regina Strong, APR
Flint & Genesee Chamber
(810) 600-1421
About the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce
The Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce (flintandgenesee.org) is one of the Top 10 largest chambers in Michigan based on revenue and number of members. We are the voice of business and community advocacy in Flint & Genesee. The Chamber is over 100 years old, was established before the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and is a founding member of the United States Chamber of Commerce.
Two words describe the Chamber as it enters its second century of service: collaboration and partnership. It is our goal to work with government, business, education, nonprofit organizations and consumers to support the growth and development of the community economically, culturally and socially. For more information, about the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce, visit flintandgenesee.org, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/GRCC_Chamber,and #seewhatspossible, check out our blog at seeandbseen.org/ and “like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/FlintandGeneseeChamberofCommerce .