Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 17, 2025
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Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association and Michigan Hospitality Foundation Announce 2025 Stars of the Industry Winners
NOVI, Mich. — The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) and Michigan Hospitality Foundation celebrated Michigan's hospitality industry by honoring the industry's top leaders during its annual 'Stars of the Industry' Awards Dinner, held at Suburban Collection Showplace on Tuesday, April 15. This prestigious event recognizes exceptional leaders within Michigan's hospitality industry who have demonstrated professionalism, creativity and commitment to enhancing the industry.
The Stars of the Industry Awards encompass a diverse range of categories, each highlighting excellence in specific roles within the hospitality industry. The categories and winners include:
The Stars of the Industry Awards is an opportunity to highlight industry stars, but it is also a fundraiser for the Michigan Hospitality Foundation, which has a mission to enhance the hospitality industry’s service to the public through education, community engagement and promotion of career opportunities.
For a more detailed description of each category, please visit https://www.mrla.org/stars.html.
The Stars of the Industry Awards encompass a diverse range of categories, each highlighting excellence in specific roles within the hospitality industry. The categories and winners include:
- Allied Partner Star of the Year: The Allied Partner Award honors a company that steps up for our industry and is known to be consistently reliable. A leader, an innovator, and a company that brings solutions to the industry.
- Gordon Food Service
- Bartender Star of the Year: The Bartender Star of the Year award is presented to an outstanding bartender who has shown exceptional talent, creativity, and skill in the art of mixology. This award was open to the public for voting.
- Alex Weinert - Wings Etc., Sturgis MI
- CVB Star of the Year: This award recognizes a staff person who works with members, vendors and consultants to implement marketing programs that actively motivate travelers to visit and frequently return to their destination or area.
- Linda Freybler – CEO of Calhoun County Visitors Bureau
- Emerging Hospitality Star of the Year: This award, named in honor of Stevan Porter, former president of the Americas, InterContinental Hotels Group, is about recognizing the emerging leaders around us, those that energize the industry and inspire those around them. This award was open to the public for voting.
- Karelyn Belonga - Brentwood Grille, Novi
- Engineering & Operations Star of the Year: This award is reserved for 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.
- Jalen Holly - The Townsend Hotel, Birmingham
- Guest Experience Star of the Year: This award recognizes exemplary performance and exceptional service by an employee in a non-management position with regular customer contact. This award was open to the public for voting.
- Deland (Chip) Davis - Fire Keepers, Battle Creek
- Heart of the House Star of the Year: This award recognizes chefs, sous chefs, or line cooks who apply creativity and innovative techniques to their exploration of regional, national and international cuisine to the delight of guests
- Jim Wolfe - Corner Bar, Rockford
- Hospitality Star of the Year: This award is given to a visionary owner or general manager who has maintained the highest standards of hospitality over the expanse of their career.
- Jim Engel - Bavarian Inn, Frankenmuth
- HR Professional Star of the Year: This award recognizes the HR role at your company that goes the distance for their team.
- Ellen Davey - The Iroquois Hotel, Mackinac Island
- Manager Star of the Year: This award recognizes an exceptional hospitality leader who excels in all facets of their role, from operational excellence to inspiring leadership.
- Marcus Matthews - Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville
- North Star Award: This is an employee of the year award given to an individual who has demonstrated their commitment and passion to the industry.
- Andrea Crawford - Mission Point, Mackinac Island
- Resort Star of the Year: This award is presented to a resort that demonstrates exceptional quality, service, and overall experience. This award was open to the public for voting.
- Treetops Resort
- Room Attendant Star of the Year: This recognition celebrates the exceptional room attendant who consistently demonstrates the highest standards of hospitality excellence.
- Beverly Maddox - Park Place Hotel, Traverse City
- Sales & Marketing Star of the Year: This award recognizes innovative efforts and outcomes in all stages of the marketing and sales process leading to increased sales and retention of guests, visitors or customers.
- Jon Grayeb - Patton Wings, Shelby Township
- Sustainability Recognition Star of the Year: This award recognizes lodging and restaurant properties that have developed a culture that embraces green technology and practices that benefit the environment.
- Karly Aldridge, JW Marriott Grand Rapids
- Women in Hospitality Leadership Star of the Year: This award honors a woman who is more than a leader. She’s also a role model in the community and a mentor who is committed to raising up those around her.
- Amanda Downs - Ford’s Garage, Novi
The Stars of the Industry Awards is an opportunity to highlight industry stars, but it is also a fundraiser for the Michigan Hospitality Foundation, which has a mission to enhance the hospitality industry’s service to the public through education, community engagement and promotion of career opportunities.
For a more detailed description of each category, please visit https://www.mrla.org/stars.html.
About the Michigan Hospitality Foundation
The Michigan Hospitality Foundation, formerly known as the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association Educational Foundation, seeks to enhance the hospitality industry's service to the public through education, community engagement, and promotion of career opportunities. The
MHF also prepares high school students for the challenges of a career in restaurants and foodservice through ProStart, a nationwide, two-year high school program that unites the classroom and the industry. ProStart students learn vital kitchen skills, including food safety and knife cuts, and important management lessons, such as menu development and marketing. For more information, visit https://www.mihf.org.
The Michigan Hospitality Foundation, formerly known as the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association Educational Foundation, seeks to enhance the hospitality industry's service to the public through education, community engagement, and promotion of career opportunities. The
MHF also prepares high school students for the challenges of a career in restaurants and foodservice through ProStart, a nationwide, two-year high school program that unites the classroom and the industry. ProStart students learn vital kitchen skills, including food safety and knife cuts, and important management lessons, such as menu development and marketing. For more information, visit https://www.mihf.org.
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.
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.
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