Stars of the Industry Awards
Congratulations to the 2023 Stars of the Industry Award Winners!
Allied Partner Award - SpotOn
Bartender Star of the Year - Curry Lund, Big E's Sports Grill
CVB Star of the Year - Jennifer Sistrunk, South Haven CVB
Emerging Hospitality Star of the Year - Emily Moir, Epoch Hospitality
Engineering & Operations Star of the Year - Marcelo Ponti, Saint John's Resort
General Manager of the Year - Heather Gates, Grand Beach & Sugar Beach Resorts
Guest Experience Star of the Year - Joel Berghorst, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Heart of the House Award - Jorge Mendez, Gilmore Collections/Paddock Place
HR Professional of the Year - Ellen Winterburn, Project Barfly
Restaurant Manager of the Year - Michael DeRose, Anna's House
Resort Star of the Year - Crystal Mountain
Room Attendant of the Year - Marina Hernandez, 6PM Hospitality Partners
Sales & Marketing Star of the Year - Jennifer Suchocki, Daxton Hotel
Sustainability Recognition Award - Holly Moorehead, Mission Point Resort
Women in Hospitality Leadership Star Award - Mandy Gray, Boyne Highlands
Hospitality Star of the Year - Tina Pietrangelo, Castanon Holdings LC
North Star Award - Beverly Demter, Old City Hall Restaurant
Bartender Star of the Year - Curry Lund, Big E's Sports Grill
CVB Star of the Year - Jennifer Sistrunk, South Haven CVB
Emerging Hospitality Star of the Year - Emily Moir, Epoch Hospitality
Engineering & Operations Star of the Year - Marcelo Ponti, Saint John's Resort
General Manager of the Year - Heather Gates, Grand Beach & Sugar Beach Resorts
Guest Experience Star of the Year - Joel Berghorst, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Heart of the House Award - Jorge Mendez, Gilmore Collections/Paddock Place
HR Professional of the Year - Ellen Winterburn, Project Barfly
Restaurant Manager of the Year - Michael DeRose, Anna's House
Resort Star of the Year - Crystal Mountain
Room Attendant of the Year - Marina Hernandez, 6PM Hospitality Partners
Sales & Marketing Star of the Year - Jennifer Suchocki, Daxton Hotel
Sustainability Recognition Award - Holly Moorehead, Mission Point Resort
Women in Hospitality Leadership Star Award - Mandy Gray, Boyne Highlands
Hospitality Star of the Year - Tina Pietrangelo, Castanon Holdings LC
North Star Award - Beverly Demter, Old City Hall Restaurant
The annual MRLA Stars of the Industry Awards recognizes outstanding members of all roles 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.
Stars of the Industry Award Categories
Hospitality Star of the Year
A visionary owner or general manager who has maintained the highest standards of hospitality over the expanse of their career. An innovator who has continually sought to surpass expectations by mentoring rising peer stars and developing new practices which positively impact guest experience. An operator who recognizes the importance of striking a balance between property/staff investment and long-term profits and viability.
North Star Award: Employee of the Year
Nominate your superstar to get the recognition they deserve on our industry’s biggest stage. We want to hear about the very best of the unsung heroes. The people who drive our industry every single day to make it great. Your candidate’s nomination should showcase their passion for hospitality and demonstrate their strong commitment to the property and community. General Managers are not eligible to receive the North Star Award.
Restaurant Manager of the Year
This award recognizes a top-of-class restaurant management employee in all areas of the role, including a stellar report with guests, staff, and the community. Nominate a manager that has exemplary operational performance, terrific customer service, and a person that goes beyond typical job duties.
General Manager of the Year
The finest hoteliers see the big picture while also looking after all the small details that make their vision a reality. These individuals have risen through the ranks and come to exemplify all the best attributes of our industry. They are managers who reach out to guests, inspire employees and extend themselves to the broader community.
Emerging Hospitality Leader of the Year
Our industry’s best ideas come from those who see the world with fresh eyes. 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. Do you work with an exemplary young professional under 35 who exhibits these traits? Share their story of “out of the box” thinking and their dedication to the craft of our trade.
Women in Hospitality Leadership Star Award
It’s time to recognize the amazing women of Michigan’s hospitality industry. 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. Her reach extends beyond the day-to-day and resonates through the property, industry and community. Nominate the woman who is a shining example of all that can be accomplished in our industry, share stories about her outstanding leadership qualities, noteworthy accomplishments, volunteering and personal achievements.
Heart of the House Award
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. This award recognizes exemplary performance and exceptional service by an employee in a non-management position who does not have regular customer contact. Nominate a member of the kitchen team that goes beyond the call of duty.
CVB Star of the Year
Is there a person at your Convention & Visitors Bureau that eats, sleeps, and breaths for your DMO? 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.
Sustainability Recognition Award
Recognizes lodging and restaurant properties that have developed a culture that embraces green technology and practices that benefit the environment, continues to meet guest expectations and reduces property expenses.
Guest Experience Star of the Year
This is the first person greeting a guest as they enter the restaurant or hotel. An team member that best develops a climate conducive to new or repeat business, quickly establishes positive rapport and creates goodwill among guests, and/or effectively resolves guest complaints. This award recognizes exemplary performance and exceptional service by an employee in a non-management position with regular customer contact. Honorees are judged on performance that goes above and beyond normal job responsibilities.
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 bartender demonstrates an unwavering dedication to their craft, continually honing their skills and expanding their knowledge of the latest trends and techniques in the industry. The Bartender Star of the Year award recognizes a bartender who not only delivers exceptional drinks but also provides exceptional service, establishing a strong connection with their customers and making them feel welcomed and appreciated. This award celebrates the creativity, passion, and dedication of the bartender who has elevated the craft of mixology to an art form. This star award is sponsored by Republic National Distributing Company and semi-finalists will be publicly voted on. Semi-finalists will also be required to submit a video of them creating a cocktail recipe that will be provided to them once selected.
Engineering + Operations Star of the Year
This award is reserved for the 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.
Room Attendant Star of the Year
The room attendant who meets or exceeds all standards for cleanliness and efficiency and inspires others to work to ensure guests have an optimal overnight experience.
Sales and 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.
The Seasonal Operator of the Year
An exceptional operator seasonal operator 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.
The Resort Star of the Year
The Resort of the Year 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. This resort not only meets but exceeds guests' expectations with their attention to detail, personalized approach, and commitment to excellence. The Resort of the Year award recognizes a resort that goes above and beyond to create a truly unforgettable getaway experience for all its visitors.
HR Professional Star of the Year
The Human Resources professional is often 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. This award recognizes the HR role at your company that goes the distance for their team.
Allied Partner Star Award
Michigan’s hospitality industry receives endless support from its allied partners and suppliers. 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.
A visionary owner or general manager who has maintained the highest standards of hospitality over the expanse of their career. An innovator who has continually sought to surpass expectations by mentoring rising peer stars and developing new practices which positively impact guest experience. An operator who recognizes the importance of striking a balance between property/staff investment and long-term profits and viability.
North Star Award: Employee of the Year
Nominate your superstar to get the recognition they deserve on our industry’s biggest stage. We want to hear about the very best of the unsung heroes. The people who drive our industry every single day to make it great. Your candidate’s nomination should showcase their passion for hospitality and demonstrate their strong commitment to the property and community. General Managers are not eligible to receive the North Star Award.
Restaurant Manager of the Year
This award recognizes a top-of-class restaurant management employee in all areas of the role, including a stellar report with guests, staff, and the community. Nominate a manager that has exemplary operational performance, terrific customer service, and a person that goes beyond typical job duties.
General Manager of the Year
The finest hoteliers see the big picture while also looking after all the small details that make their vision a reality. These individuals have risen through the ranks and come to exemplify all the best attributes of our industry. They are managers who reach out to guests, inspire employees and extend themselves to the broader community.
Emerging Hospitality Leader of the Year
Our industry’s best ideas come from those who see the world with fresh eyes. 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. Do you work with an exemplary young professional under 35 who exhibits these traits? Share their story of “out of the box” thinking and their dedication to the craft of our trade.
Women in Hospitality Leadership Star Award
It’s time to recognize the amazing women of Michigan’s hospitality industry. 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. Her reach extends beyond the day-to-day and resonates through the property, industry and community. Nominate the woman who is a shining example of all that can be accomplished in our industry, share stories about her outstanding leadership qualities, noteworthy accomplishments, volunteering and personal achievements.
Heart of the House Award
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. This award recognizes exemplary performance and exceptional service by an employee in a non-management position who does not have regular customer contact. Nominate a member of the kitchen team that goes beyond the call of duty.
CVB Star of the Year
Is there a person at your Convention & Visitors Bureau that eats, sleeps, and breaths for your DMO? 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.
Sustainability Recognition Award
Recognizes lodging and restaurant properties that have developed a culture that embraces green technology and practices that benefit the environment, continues to meet guest expectations and reduces property expenses.
Guest Experience Star of the Year
This is the first person greeting a guest as they enter the restaurant or hotel. An team member that best develops a climate conducive to new or repeat business, quickly establishes positive rapport and creates goodwill among guests, and/or effectively resolves guest complaints. This award recognizes exemplary performance and exceptional service by an employee in a non-management position with regular customer contact. Honorees are judged on performance that goes above and beyond normal job responsibilities.
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 bartender demonstrates an unwavering dedication to their craft, continually honing their skills and expanding their knowledge of the latest trends and techniques in the industry. The Bartender Star of the Year award recognizes a bartender who not only delivers exceptional drinks but also provides exceptional service, establishing a strong connection with their customers and making them feel welcomed and appreciated. This award celebrates the creativity, passion, and dedication of the bartender who has elevated the craft of mixology to an art form. This star award is sponsored by Republic National Distributing Company and semi-finalists will be publicly voted on. Semi-finalists will also be required to submit a video of them creating a cocktail recipe that will be provided to them once selected.
Engineering + Operations Star of the Year
This award is reserved for the 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.
Room Attendant Star of the Year
The room attendant who meets or exceeds all standards for cleanliness and efficiency and inspires others to work to ensure guests have an optimal overnight experience.
Sales and 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.
The Seasonal Operator of the Year
An exceptional operator seasonal operator 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.
The Resort Star of the Year
The Resort of the Year 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. This resort not only meets but exceeds guests' expectations with their attention to detail, personalized approach, and commitment to excellence. The Resort of the Year award recognizes a resort that goes above and beyond to create a truly unforgettable getaway experience for all its visitors.
HR Professional Star of the Year
The Human Resources professional is often 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. This award recognizes the HR role at your company that goes the distance for their team.
Allied Partner Star Award
Michigan’s hospitality industry receives endless support from its allied partners and suppliers. 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.
Application Guidelines
When are nominations due?
- All honorees must be employed by restaurants, hotels, or other supporting businesses that are members of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association
- Honorees should have served our industry for at least two years
- The Awards Nomination Form should be completed and submitted with a letter of recommendation (500 words maximum) and support materials
- Support materials may include: headshot, photos, videos, letters of commendation, guest comment cards, news clippings, testimonials, etc.
When are nominations due?
- DEADLINE EXTENDED! Nominations for the Bartender Star of the Year and Resort Star of the Year are due by September 15 to ensure time to select semi-finalists for the public voting portion. Public voting will be open from mid-September until October 11.
- Nominations for all other Stars of the Industry Awards are due by Wednesday, October 11 at 5:00 p.m.
Who can enter?
The Stars of the Industry awards competition is open to all MRLA members and employees.
Who can nominate a Star?
Anyone! A nominator can be an employer, a manager, a friend, regular customer, or anyone else who knows a Star in Michigan's hospitality industry who deserves recognition.
What does it cost to enter?
Entering or nominating for the Stars of the Industry Awards is free.
What do nominees receive?
The winners of each award will be announced at the Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner on November 9, 2023 and receive an engraved plaque at the awards presentation. All winners will be announced in MRLA publications, by a press release, and on the MRLA website. Winners will automatically be entered in the American Hotel & Lodging Association's national Stars of the Industry Awards program.
How does the public voting work?
Bartender Star of the Year and Resort Star of the Year will be publicly voted once the semi-finalists are selected. Public voting is slated to open in August. More details to be announced!
The Stars of the Industry awards competition is open to all MRLA members and employees.
Who can nominate a Star?
Anyone! A nominator can be an employer, a manager, a friend, regular customer, or anyone else who knows a Star in Michigan's hospitality industry who deserves recognition.
What does it cost to enter?
Entering or nominating for the Stars of the Industry Awards is free.
What do nominees receive?
The winners of each award will be announced at the Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner on November 9, 2023 and receive an engraved plaque at the awards presentation. All winners will be announced in MRLA publications, by a press release, and on the MRLA website. Winners will automatically be entered in the American Hotel & Lodging Association's national Stars of the Industry Awards program.
How does the public voting work?
Bartender Star of the Year and Resort Star of the Year will be publicly voted once the semi-finalists are selected. Public voting is slated to open in August. More details to be announced!
Thank You to our 2023 Premier Sponsors!
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Support the Stars of the Industry Awards
Contact Sarah Metcalf at smetcalf@mrla.org or 517-377-3928 to secure your sponsorship!
Welcome sponsor - $10,000 - exclusive!
Your company can welcome every Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner guest!
- Exclusive speaking opportunity at the beginning of the awards ceremony
- Premium full page advertisement in the event program
- Dedicated social media posts recognizing your company as the Welcome Sponsor
- Company promo video played during the awards dinner Magazine feature in the August or October issue of the MRLA magazine
- 8 dinner tickets in reserved section
- Sponsorship recognition in all references, recognition and promotion for the event
- Verbal recognition of sponsorship from the stage
- Recognition in awards presentation
- Recognition/logo on all marketing materials related to the event including award application, social media, promotional materials, newsletters and the MRLA Stars of the Industry website
- Company/logo on every table
- Company/logo on Star of your choice
star constellation package - $5,000
- Company promo video played during the awards dinner
- Magazine feature in the August or October issue of The MRLA Magazine
- 6 dinner tickets in reserved section
- Verbal recognition of sponsorship from the stage
- Recognition in awards presentation
- Recognition/logo on all marketing materials related to the event including award application, social media, promotional materials, newsletters and the MRLA Stars of the Industry website
- Company/logo on Star of your choice
NAME BADGE SPONSOR - $3,000
Every name badge worn will have your company name listed as the sponsor for guests to wear all night!
- 4 Dinner tickets in reserved section
- Verbal recognition of sponsorship from the stage
- Recognition in awards presentation
- Recognition/logo on all marketing materials related to the event including award application, social media, promotional materials, newsletters and the MRLA Stars of the Industry website
MENU SPONSOR - $3,000 - eXCLUSIVE!
Who is on the menu for the Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner? Your company!
- Your company logo exclusively placed on all dinner menus
- 4 Dinner tickets in reserved section
- Verbal recognition of sponsorship from the stage
- Recognition in awards presentation
- Recognition/logo on all marketing materials related to the event including award application, social media, promotional materials, newsletters and the MRLA Stars of the Industry website
PHOTOWALL SPONSOR - $2,500 - EXCLUSIVE!
Feature your company logo in every photo of the night!
- Company logo included on event photos
- 2 Dinner tickets
- Verbal recognition of sponsorship from the stage
- Recognition in awards presentation
- Recognition/logo on all marketing materials related to the event including award application, social media, promotional materials, newsletters and the MRLA Stars of the Industry website
- Company/logo on Star of your choice
SPONSOR A STAR AWARD - $1,500 EACH - LIMITED AVAILABILITY
See your company name in the stars!
- 2 Dinner tickets
- Verbal recognition of sponsorship from the stage
- Recognition in awards presentation
- Recognition/logo on all marketing materials related to the event including award application, social media, promotional materials, newsletters and the MRLA Stars of the Industry website
- Company/logo on Star of your choice
ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR - $1,500 - EXCLUSIVE!
Be the premier entertainment sponsor for the awards dinner and guests will leave with more than just a song stuck in their head.
- Company/logo located on DJ booth
- 2 Dinner tickets
- Verbal recognition of sponsorship from the stage
- Recognition in awards presentation
- Recognition/logo on all marketing materials related to the event including award application, social media, promotional materials, newsletters and the MRLA Stars of the Industry website
- Company/logo on Star of your choice
