Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 4, 2021
Media Contacts:
|
Emily Daunt
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (517) 377-3933 |
Leslie Pardo
Marx Layne & Company (248) 563-7213 |
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association Honors Hospitality Industry Leaders
at the Stars of the Industry Awards, Nov. 3
at the Stars of the Industry Awards, Nov. 3
LANSING, MICH. – The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) honored the hospitality industry’s top leaders at the Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner on November 3 at MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit. The Stars of the Industry awards recognize outstanding members of all roles within Michigan's hospitality industry who have demonstrated professionalism and creativity while going above and beyond to contribute to the positive image of the industry.
“We are delighted to recognize some of the hospitality industry’s finest leaders and innovators in the state,” said Justin Winslow, MRLA President and CEO. “These professionals make a positive impact on the industry, the guest experience, and the career paths of associates in their respective organizations.”
Honorees were nominated by their peers for recognition as Stars of the Industry. All award winners have worked in the hospitality industry for at least two years and are employed by restaurants, hotels or other supporting businesses that are MRLA members.
The Hospitality Star of the Year award is given to a visionary owner or general manager who has maintained the highest standards of hospitality over the expanse of their career. The honoree is an innovator who mentors rising peer stars and develops new practices that positively impact the guest experience. This year’s award was presented to Mark Ware and Liz Ware of Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island for their exceptional industry dedication and expertise. The award also acknowledges their recognition of the importance of striking a balance between property and staff investment and long-term profits and viability[ED1] .
The North Star: Employee of the Year is awarded annually to an unsung industry hero. The 2021 award winner is Scott Parkhurst of Restaurant Partners Management in Traverse City who daily showcases his passion for hospitality and demonstrates his strong commitment to the business and surrounding community.
The 2021 Restaurant Manager of the Year is Brandon Massnick of Old City Hall Restaurant in Bay City. Massnick was selected as a top-of-class restaurant management employee, demonstrating exemplary operational performance, outstanding customer service, and dedication to guests, staff and the community.
Mike Costello of the Inn at Bay Harbor was named General Manager of the Year for rising through the ranks and exemplifying the best attributes of the hospitality industry.
Becca Lawrukovich of the Inn at St. John’s in Plymouth was awarded Emerging Hospitality Leader of the Year. Lawrukovich was selected for her “out of the box” thinking, dedication, and ability to energize the industry and inspire those around her.
The Women in Hospitality Leadership Award was given to Christina Post of Anna’s House in Grandville for not only being an industry leader, but also serving as a community role model and mentor who is committed to raising up those around her.
The Heart of the House Award recognizes exemplary performance and exceptional service by a chef, sous chef or line cook in a non-management position who does not have regular customer contact. This year’s honoree is Chef Carl Clarke of AC Hotel in Grand Rapids.
Katherine Johnson of Destination Ann Arbor was named the 2021 CVB Star of the Year for her work with members, vendors and consultants to implement marketing programs that actively motivate travelers to visit and frequently return to Ann Arbor.
The 2021 Sustainability Recognition Award was given to Leigh Farrell of Suburban Inns in Grand Rapids for developing a culture that embraces green technology and practices that benefit the environment, meet guest expectations and reduce property expenses.
The Guest Relations Hotel Star of the Year is bestowed upon an associate who is the first person to greet guests; fosters an environment conducive to new and repeat business; quickly establishes a positive rapport and goodwill among guests; and effectively resolves guest complaints. This year’s honoree is Gary Keoleian of The Townsend Hotel in Birmingham.
The 2021 Front of the House Restaurant Star of the Year is Jaslyn Staten of Margaux restaurant in JW Marriott in Grand Rapids for her exemplary performance and exceptional service by an employee in a non-management position with regular customer contact.
The Engineering + Operations Star of the Year award recognizes an outstanding operations, engineering and maintenance employee who works tirelessly to improve efficiencies, maximize machinery life, reduce costs and improve property appearance to provide all guests the best stay possible. This year’s winner is Astrit Nacollari of The Townsend Hotel in Birmingham.
Rene Cherwinski of Grand Traverse Resort and Spa was named Room Attendant Star of the Year for exceeding all standards for cleanliness and efficiency and inspiring others to work to ensure guests have an optimal overnight experience.
The Sales and Marketing Star of the Year was awarded to Amanda Bushor of DoubleTree by Hilton Port Huron for her innovative marketing and sales efforts generating increased sales and retention of guests.
The Seasonal Operator of the Year recognizes an individual who finds innovative ways to attract and retain customers, inspire employees to provide optimal customer service, and drives new revenues while reducing expenses and expanding operations. This year’s award winners are Frank and Lyn Marro of Marrro’s Italian Restaurant in Saugatuck.
The HR Professional of the Year award is designated for an individual working behind the scenes efficiently and loyally to ensure that all team members of a hotel or restaurant have the support they need to be successful and hospitable to guests. The 2021 award winner is Ryan Macy of Island House Hotel and Callewaert Family Business Collective on Mackinac Island.
Finally, the Allied Partner Award honors a company that steps up for hospitality industry, is consistently reliable, and brings solutions to the industry. This year’s award winner is Republic National Distributing Company.
NOTE: Link to hi-res photos of winners here.
“We are delighted to recognize some of the hospitality industry’s finest leaders and innovators in the state,” said Justin Winslow, MRLA President and CEO. “These professionals make a positive impact on the industry, the guest experience, and the career paths of associates in their respective organizations.”
Honorees were nominated by their peers for recognition as Stars of the Industry. All award winners have worked in the hospitality industry for at least two years and are employed by restaurants, hotels or other supporting businesses that are MRLA members.
The Hospitality Star of the Year award is given to a visionary owner or general manager who has maintained the highest standards of hospitality over the expanse of their career. The honoree is an innovator who mentors rising peer stars and develops new practices that positively impact the guest experience. This year’s award was presented to Mark Ware and Liz Ware of Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island for their exceptional industry dedication and expertise. The award also acknowledges their recognition of the importance of striking a balance between property and staff investment and long-term profits and viability[ED1] .
The North Star: Employee of the Year is awarded annually to an unsung industry hero. The 2021 award winner is Scott Parkhurst of Restaurant Partners Management in Traverse City who daily showcases his passion for hospitality and demonstrates his strong commitment to the business and surrounding community.
The 2021 Restaurant Manager of the Year is Brandon Massnick of Old City Hall Restaurant in Bay City. Massnick was selected as a top-of-class restaurant management employee, demonstrating exemplary operational performance, outstanding customer service, and dedication to guests, staff and the community.
Mike Costello of the Inn at Bay Harbor was named General Manager of the Year for rising through the ranks and exemplifying the best attributes of the hospitality industry.
Becca Lawrukovich of the Inn at St. John’s in Plymouth was awarded Emerging Hospitality Leader of the Year. Lawrukovich was selected for her “out of the box” thinking, dedication, and ability to energize the industry and inspire those around her.
The Women in Hospitality Leadership Award was given to Christina Post of Anna’s House in Grandville for not only being an industry leader, but also serving as a community role model and mentor who is committed to raising up those around her.
The Heart of the House Award recognizes exemplary performance and exceptional service by a chef, sous chef or line cook in a non-management position who does not have regular customer contact. This year’s honoree is Chef Carl Clarke of AC Hotel in Grand Rapids.
Katherine Johnson of Destination Ann Arbor was named the 2021 CVB Star of the Year for her work with members, vendors and consultants to implement marketing programs that actively motivate travelers to visit and frequently return to Ann Arbor.
The 2021 Sustainability Recognition Award was given to Leigh Farrell of Suburban Inns in Grand Rapids for developing a culture that embraces green technology and practices that benefit the environment, meet guest expectations and reduce property expenses.
The Guest Relations Hotel Star of the Year is bestowed upon an associate who is the first person to greet guests; fosters an environment conducive to new and repeat business; quickly establishes a positive rapport and goodwill among guests; and effectively resolves guest complaints. This year’s honoree is Gary Keoleian of The Townsend Hotel in Birmingham.
The 2021 Front of the House Restaurant Star of the Year is Jaslyn Staten of Margaux restaurant in JW Marriott in Grand Rapids for her exemplary performance and exceptional service by an employee in a non-management position with regular customer contact.
The Engineering + Operations Star of the Year award recognizes an outstanding operations, engineering and maintenance employee who works tirelessly to improve efficiencies, maximize machinery life, reduce costs and improve property appearance to provide all guests the best stay possible. This year’s winner is Astrit Nacollari of The Townsend Hotel in Birmingham.
Rene Cherwinski of Grand Traverse Resort and Spa was named Room Attendant Star of the Year for exceeding all standards for cleanliness and efficiency and inspiring others to work to ensure guests have an optimal overnight experience.
The Sales and Marketing Star of the Year was awarded to Amanda Bushor of DoubleTree by Hilton Port Huron for her innovative marketing and sales efforts generating increased sales and retention of guests.
The Seasonal Operator of the Year recognizes an individual who finds innovative ways to attract and retain customers, inspire employees to provide optimal customer service, and drives new revenues while reducing expenses and expanding operations. This year’s award winners are Frank and Lyn Marro of Marrro’s Italian Restaurant in Saugatuck.
The HR Professional of the Year award is designated for an individual working behind the scenes efficiently and loyally to ensure that all team members of a hotel or restaurant have the support they need to be successful and hospitable to guests. The 2021 award winner is Ryan Macy of Island House Hotel and Callewaert Family Business Collective on Mackinac Island.
Finally, the Allied Partner Award honors a company that steps up for hospitality industry, is consistently reliable, and brings solutions to the industry. This year’s award winner is Republic National Distributing Company.
NOTE: Link to hi-res photos of winners here.
About the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice and lodging community. Founded in 1921 as the Michigan Restaurant Association and now known as the MRLA, the Association represents over 5,000 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 595,000 people and creating nearly $40 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice and lodging community. Founded in 1921 as the Michigan Restaurant Association and now known as the MRLA, the Association represents over 5,000 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 595,000 people and creating nearly $40 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
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