Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 5, 2025
Media Contact:
Public Voting is Now Open for MRLA Stars of the Industry Awards
Vote now for Bartender of the Year, Emerging Hospitality Star, Guest Experience Star of the Year and Resort Star of the Year
Vote now for Bartender of the Year, Emerging Hospitality Star, Guest Experience Star of the Year and Resort Star of the Year
Lansing, Mich. - The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) has opened online public voting for MRLA’s Bartender of the Year, Emerging Hospitality Star, Guest Experience Star of the Year, and Resort Star of the Year as part of the Stars of the Industry Awards. Public voting starts today at mrla.org/vote and ends on March 21, 2025. There is no cost in public voting.
The prestigious Stars of the Industry Awards recognize exceptional leaders within Michigan's hospitality industry who have demonstrated professionalism, creativity and commitment to elevating the industry.
The finalists include:
Bartender 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 bartender demonstrates an unwavering dedication to their craft, delivering exceptional drinks as well as exceptional service, making guests feel welcomed and appreciated.
Emerging Hospitality Star
Named in honor of Stevan Porter, former president of the Americas, InterContinental Hotels Group, this award is meant for young professionals under the age of 35 and recognizes the emerging leaders who energize the industry and inspire those around them.
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, who goes above and beyond to create a positive experience for guests.
Resort Star of the Year
This award is presented to a resort that demonstrates exceptional quality, service, and overall experience. The recipient of this award provides guests with a memorable vacation, complete with top-notch accommodations, outstanding amenities and exceptional customer service.
"Public voting on award categories is a powerful way to honor the exceptional leaders and contributors in Michigan’s hospitality industry," said Justin Winslow, President and CEO of MRLA. "It allows the people who are directly impacted by these individuals—guests, peers, and community members—to have a say in recognizing the hard work and dedication that shapes our industry. The impact these individuals make is profound, and this collective recognition celebrates not only their accomplishments but also the future of hospitality.”
The winners of the categories will be announced during the Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.
The full list of award categories include:
For a more detailed description of each category, please visit https://www.mrla.org/stars.html.
The Stars of the Industry Awards is not only an opportunity to highlight industry stars, but it also a fundraiser for the Michigan Hospitality Foundation and its mission to enhance the hospitality industry’s service to the public through education, community engagement and promotion of career opportunities.
The prestigious Stars of the Industry Awards recognize exceptional leaders within Michigan's hospitality industry who have demonstrated professionalism, creativity and commitment to elevating the industry.
The finalists include:
Bartender 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 bartender demonstrates an unwavering dedication to their craft, delivering exceptional drinks as well as exceptional service, making guests feel welcomed and appreciated.
- Mattea Stratz, City Limits
- Malena Skorpen, Border Cantina
- Darlene Webber, Lake Buff Grille at Muskegon Country Club
- Chum Skiera, Apache Trout Grill
- Alexander Weinert, Wings Etc. Grill and Pub
Emerging Hospitality Star
Named in honor of Stevan Porter, former president of the Americas, InterContinental Hotels Group, this award is meant for young professionals under the age of 35 and recognizes the emerging leaders who energize the industry and inspire those around them.
- Samantha Derocher, Hotel Investment Services
- Katelyn Belonga, Brentwood Grille
- Victoria Hutter, The H Hotel
- Chedra King, Apache Trout Grille
- Katie Wilson, Rusty Bucket
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, who goes above and beyond to create a positive experience for guests.
- Stephanie Brinkman, Team Shostak Family Restaurants Applebee’s
- Mary Garcia, North Michigan Hospitality Management
- Antonio Grant, Cambria Detroit
- Michael Quinn, New Holland Brewing Co. South Haven
- Molly Mateliski, The Highlands
- Deland (Chip) Davis, Firekeepers Casino Hotel
Resort Star of the Year
This award is presented to a resort that demonstrates exceptional quality, service, and overall experience. The recipient of this award provides guests with a memorable vacation, complete with top-notch accommodations, outstanding amenities and exceptional customer service.
- Treetops Resort
- Mission Point Resort
- Saint John’s Resort
- Harbor Grand Hotel
"Public voting on award categories is a powerful way to honor the exceptional leaders and contributors in Michigan’s hospitality industry," said Justin Winslow, President and CEO of MRLA. "It allows the people who are directly impacted by these individuals—guests, peers, and community members—to have a say in recognizing the hard work and dedication that shapes our industry. The impact these individuals make is profound, and this collective recognition celebrates not only their accomplishments but also the future of hospitality.”
The winners of the categories will be announced during the Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.
The full list of award 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, please visit https://www.mrla.org/stars.html.
The Stars of the Industry Awards is not only an opportunity to highlight industry stars, but it also a fundraiser for the Michigan Hospitality Foundation and its 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.
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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