Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 10, 2022
Media Contacts:
Emily Daunt
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (517) 377-3933 |
Michael Odom or Adam O’Connor
Marx Layne & Company (734) 259-9060 Odom’s cell (248) 321-0586 O’Connor’s cell |
MICHIGAN RESTAURANT & LODGING ASSOCIATION HONORED HOSPITALITY ‘STARS OF THE INDUSTRY’ AT AWARDS DINNER ON NOV. 9
The winners, who were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of industry leaders, represent hotels, resorts and restaurants from across the state
The winners, who were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of industry leaders, represent hotels, resorts and restaurants from across the state
LANSING, MICH. – The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) honored the hospitality industry’s top leaders during its annual ‘Stars of the Industry’ Awards Dinner at the Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth on Nov. 9. The awards recognize outstanding individuals within Michigan's hospitality industry who have demonstrated professionalism and creativity while going above and beyond their role to contribute to the positive image of the industry.
“It’s a wonderful occasion to be able to celebrate the achievements of some of the finest in our industry. These individuals have made an impact on the guest experience, their coworkers and respective organizations, and the broader industry in general,” said Justin Winslow, MRLA President and CEO. “We are extremely proud to recognize some of hospitality’s finest leaders and innovators within our state.”
Honorees are nominated by their peers and then selected as winners by a panel of industry leaders. Entering or nominating someone for the Stars of the Industry Awards is free, and all nominees must have worked in the hospitality industry for at least two years and be 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 bestowed upon Joe Raimi of Project BarFly – HopCat for his exceptional industry dedication and expertise as well as recognizing the importance of striking a balance between property and staff investment and long-term profits and viability.
The North Star: Employee of the Year is awarded annually to an unsung industry hero. The 2022 award winner is Scott Firman of Grand Traverse Resort & Spa who daily showcases his passion for hospitality and demonstrates his strong commitment to the business and surrounding community.
The 2022 Restaurant Manager of the Year is DJ Atkins of Restaurant Partners Management Group. Atkins 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.
Stefanie Congdon of The Landmark Inn was named General Manager of the Year for rising through the ranks and exemplifying the best attributes of the hospitality industry.
Elayna Creed of the State Room MSU was awarded Emerging Hospitality Leader of the Year. Creed was selected for her “out of the box” thinking, dedication, and ability energize the industry and inspire those around her.
The Women in Hospitality Leadership Award was given to Rachel Conley of JK&T Wings for not only being more an industry leader, but also being 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 Raul Brito of Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island.
Experience Grand Rapids was named the 2022 CVB Star of the Year for its work with members, vendors and consultants to implement marketing programs that actively motivate travelers to visit and frequently return to Grand Rapids.
The 2022 Sustainability Recognition Award was given to Alexis Stand of Zingerman’s Creamery in Ann Arbor 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 Frank Silsbee of Sleep Inn & Suites.
The 2022 Front of the House Restaurant Star of the Year is Jessica Wilterink of Anna’s House for her exemplary performance and exceptional service by an employee in a non-management position with regular customer contact.
Bartender Star of the Year recognizes a bartender in Michigan who is experienced in their field both in explaining and preparing drinks and cocktails, and also helps to create new drinks for menus. This award honors an individual who takes bartending to the next level through their knowledge of the industry overall. This year’s Bartender Star of the Year is Michael Bryan of AHC Hospitality.
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 Sean Gray of Saint John’s Resort.
Lisa Green of DoubleTree by Hilton Port Huron 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 Jillian Rop of 6PM Hospitality for her innovative marketing and sales efforts generating increased sales and retention of guests.
The Resort of the Year spotlights a standout Michigan propery known for the experience it provides to guests, its room offerings, facilities, food, service and overall value. This year’s award winner is Hotel Walloon in Walloon Lake.
The HR Professional of the Year award is designated for an individual or individuals working behind the scenes efficiently and loyally to ensure that all team members of a hotel or restaurant have the support that they need to be successful and hospitable to guests. The 2022 award winners are Missy Williams and Brianna Wesley of Suburban Inns.
Finally, the Allied Partner Award honors a company that steps up for the hospitality industry, is consistently reliable, and brings solutions to the industry. This year’s award winner is Adesso.
Link to hi-res photos of winners available HERE
“It’s a wonderful occasion to be able to celebrate the achievements of some of the finest in our industry. These individuals have made an impact on the guest experience, their coworkers and respective organizations, and the broader industry in general,” said Justin Winslow, MRLA President and CEO. “We are extremely proud to recognize some of hospitality’s finest leaders and innovators within our state.”
Honorees are nominated by their peers and then selected as winners by a panel of industry leaders. Entering or nominating someone for the Stars of the Industry Awards is free, and all nominees must have worked in the hospitality industry for at least two years and be 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 bestowed upon Joe Raimi of Project BarFly – HopCat for his exceptional industry dedication and expertise as well as recognizing the importance of striking a balance between property and staff investment and long-term profits and viability.
The North Star: Employee of the Year is awarded annually to an unsung industry hero. The 2022 award winner is Scott Firman of Grand Traverse Resort & Spa who daily showcases his passion for hospitality and demonstrates his strong commitment to the business and surrounding community.
The 2022 Restaurant Manager of the Year is DJ Atkins of Restaurant Partners Management Group. Atkins 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.
Stefanie Congdon of The Landmark Inn was named General Manager of the Year for rising through the ranks and exemplifying the best attributes of the hospitality industry.
Elayna Creed of the State Room MSU was awarded Emerging Hospitality Leader of the Year. Creed was selected for her “out of the box” thinking, dedication, and ability energize the industry and inspire those around her.
The Women in Hospitality Leadership Award was given to Rachel Conley of JK&T Wings for not only being more an industry leader, but also being 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 Raul Brito of Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island.
Experience Grand Rapids was named the 2022 CVB Star of the Year for its work with members, vendors and consultants to implement marketing programs that actively motivate travelers to visit and frequently return to Grand Rapids.
The 2022 Sustainability Recognition Award was given to Alexis Stand of Zingerman’s Creamery in Ann Arbor 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 Frank Silsbee of Sleep Inn & Suites.
The 2022 Front of the House Restaurant Star of the Year is Jessica Wilterink of Anna’s House for her exemplary performance and exceptional service by an employee in a non-management position with regular customer contact.
Bartender Star of the Year recognizes a bartender in Michigan who is experienced in their field both in explaining and preparing drinks and cocktails, and also helps to create new drinks for menus. This award honors an individual who takes bartending to the next level through their knowledge of the industry overall. This year’s Bartender Star of the Year is Michael Bryan of AHC Hospitality.
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 Sean Gray of Saint John’s Resort.
Lisa Green of DoubleTree by Hilton Port Huron 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 Jillian Rop of 6PM Hospitality for her innovative marketing and sales efforts generating increased sales and retention of guests.
The Resort of the Year spotlights a standout Michigan propery known for the experience it provides to guests, its room offerings, facilities, food, service and overall value. This year’s award winner is Hotel Walloon in Walloon Lake.
The HR Professional of the Year award is designated for an individual or individuals working behind the scenes efficiently and loyally to ensure that all team members of a hotel or restaurant have the support that they need to be successful and hospitable to guests. The 2022 award winners are Missy Williams and Brianna Wesley of Suburban Inns.
Finally, the Allied Partner Award honors a company that steps up for the hospitality industry, is consistently reliable, and brings solutions to the industry. This year’s award winner is Adesso.
Link to hi-res photos of winners available 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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