Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 10, 2025
Media Contacts:
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association Opens Nominations or 2025 Stars of the Industry Awards
LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) has officially opened nominations for the Stars of the Industry Awards. This prestigious event recognizes exceptional leaders within Michigan's hospitality industry who have demonstrated professionalism, creativity and commitment to enhancing the industry.
"We are proud to recognize the outstanding leaders and contributors who tirelessly work to elevate our industry in Michigan," said Justin Winslow, President and CEO of MRLA. "Countless individuals within our sector continue to make a meaningful impact on guests and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of hospitality. We look forward to coming together as an industry to honor their collective efforts and celebrate their individual accomplishments."
Nominees for the Stars of the Industry Awards are put forward by their industry peers or members of the public, with winners being selected by a distinguished panel of industry leaders. Four categories including Bartender Star of the Year, Emerging Hospitality Star of the Year, Guest Experience Stars of the Year and Resort Star of the Year will be chosen by the public, fans and guests who support the MRLA members. There is no cost to submit a nomination, but nominees are required to have a minimum of two years of experience in the hospitality industry and be employed by restaurants, hotels or other supporting businesses that are MRLA members.
The deadline to submit nominations for Bartender Star of the Year, Emerging Hospitality Star, Guest Experience Stars of the Year and The Resort Star of the Year is 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12. All other nominations must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 16. To complete the Awards Nomination Form, individuals must submit a letter of recommendation and support materials. Visit https://www.mrla.org/starsnomination for details.
The winners in each category will be announced during the Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner on Wednesday, April 16, at Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. The Stars of the Industry Awards encompass a diverse range of categories, each highlighting excellence in specific roles within the hospitality industry.
The categories include:
· Allied Partner Star of the Year
· Bartender Star of the Year
· CVB Star of the Year
· Emerging Hospitality Star of the Year
· Engineering & Operations Star of the Year
· Guest Experience Star of the Year
· Heart of the House Star of the Year
· Hospitality Star of the Year
· HR Professional Star of the Year
· Manager Star of the Year
· North Star Award: Employee of the Year
· Resort Star of the Year
· Room Attendant Star of the Year
· Sales & Marketing Star of the Year
· Sustainability Recognition Star of the Year
· Women in Hospitality Leadership Star of the Year
For a more detailed description of each category and the nomination process, please visit https://www.mrla.org/stars.html.
The Stars of the Industry Awards is not only an opportunity to highlight industry stars, but also fundraise for the Michigan Hospitality Foundation with a mission to enhance the hospitality industry’s service to the public through education, community engagement and promotion of career opportunities.
"We are proud to recognize the outstanding leaders and contributors who tirelessly work to elevate our industry in Michigan," said Justin Winslow, President and CEO of MRLA. "Countless individuals within our sector continue to make a meaningful impact on guests and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of hospitality. We look forward to coming together as an industry to honor their collective efforts and celebrate their individual accomplishments."
Nominees for the Stars of the Industry Awards are put forward by their industry peers or members of the public, with winners being selected by a distinguished panel of industry leaders. Four categories including Bartender Star of the Year, Emerging Hospitality Star of the Year, Guest Experience Stars of the Year and Resort Star of the Year will be chosen by the public, fans and guests who support the MRLA members. There is no cost to submit a nomination, but nominees are required to have a minimum of two years of experience in the hospitality industry and be employed by restaurants, hotels or other supporting businesses that are MRLA members.
The deadline to submit nominations for Bartender Star of the Year, Emerging Hospitality Star, Guest Experience Stars of the Year and The Resort Star of the Year is 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12. All other nominations must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 16. To complete the Awards Nomination Form, individuals must submit a letter of recommendation and support materials. Visit https://www.mrla.org/starsnomination for details.
The winners in each category will be announced during the Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner on Wednesday, April 16, at Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. The Stars of the Industry Awards encompass a diverse range of categories, each highlighting excellence in specific roles within the hospitality industry.
The categories include:
· Allied Partner Star of the Year
· Bartender Star of the Year
· CVB Star of the Year
· Emerging Hospitality Star of the Year
· Engineering & Operations Star of the Year
· Guest Experience Star of the Year
· Heart of the House Star of the Year
· Hospitality Star of the Year
· HR Professional Star of the Year
· Manager Star of the Year
· North Star Award: Employee of the Year
· Resort Star of the Year
· Room Attendant Star of the Year
· Sales & Marketing Star of the Year
· Sustainability Recognition Star of the Year
· Women in Hospitality Leadership Star of the Year
For a more detailed description of each category and the nomination process, please visit https://www.mrla.org/stars.html.
The Stars of the Industry Awards is not only an opportunity to highlight industry stars, but also fundraise for the Michigan Hospitality Foundation with a mission to enhance the hospitality industry’s service to the public through education, community engagement and promotion of career opportunities.
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 5,500 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 450,000 people and creating nearly $44.6 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
About the Michigan Hospitality Foundation:
The Michigan Hospitality Foundation seeks to enhance the hospitality industry's service to the public through education, community engagement, and promotion of career opportunities. MHF prepares high school students to be the future of this industry. MHF’s ProStart and Hospitality & Tourism Management (HTM) programs open doors to successful careers in hospitality. For more information, visit https://www.mihf.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 5,500 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 450,000 people and creating nearly $44.6 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
About the Michigan Hospitality Foundation:
The Michigan Hospitality Foundation seeks to enhance the hospitality industry's service to the public through education, community engagement, and promotion of career opportunities. MHF prepares high school students to be the future of this industry. MHF’s ProStart and Hospitality & Tourism Management (HTM) programs open doors to successful careers in hospitality. For more information, visit https://www.mihf.org.
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