Stars of the Industry Awards
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Thank you for joining us in honoring the 2022 MRLA Stars of the Industry! 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. See you in 2023!
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Congratulations to all of 2022 Stars of the Industry Award Winners!
- Allied Partner Award - Adesso Capital
- Bartender Star of the Year - Michael Bryan, AHC Hospitality
- CVB Star of the Year - Experience Grand Rapids
- Emerging Hospitality Star of the Year - Elayna Creed, State Room Restaurant
- Engineering & Operations Star of the Year - Sean Gray, Saint John's Resort
- FOH Restaurant Star of the Year - Jessica Wilterlink, Anna's House
- General Manager of the Year - Stefanie Congdon, Landmark Inn
- Guest Relations Star of the Year - Frank Silsbee, Sleep Inn & Suites
- Heart of the House Award - Raul Brito, Mission Point Resort
- HR Professional of the Year - Missy Williams & Brianna Wesley, Suburban Inns
- Restaurant Manager of the Year - David “DJ” Atkins, Restaurant Partners Management Group 4gr8food
- Resort Star of the Year - Hotel Walloon
- Room Attendant of the Year - Lisa Green, DoubleTree by Hilton Port Huron
- Sales & Marketing Star of the Year - Jillian Rop, 6PM Hospitality Partners LLC
- Sustainability Recognition Award - Alexis Stand, Zingerman's Creamery
- Women in Hospitality Leadership Star Award - Jessica Conley, JK&T Wings Buffalo Wild Wings
- Hospitality Star of the Year - Joe Rami, Project BarFly HopCat
- North Star Award - Scott Firman, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Application Guidelines
- 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.
- Nominations must be received by 5:00 p.m. on September 9, 2022
Who Can Enter?
The Stars of the Industry awards competition is open to all MRLA members and employees.
What does it cost to enter?
Entering or nominating for the Stars of the Industry Awards is free.
What do nominees receive?
Nominees will be notified by October 15, 2022. The winners of each award will be announced at the Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner on November 9, 2022 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.
The Stars of the Industry awards competition is open to all MRLA members and employees.
What does it cost to enter?
Entering or nominating for the Stars of the Industry Awards is free.
What do nominees receive?
Nominees will be notified by October 15, 2022. The winners of each award will be announced at the Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner on November 9, 2022 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.
Thank You to our Premier Sponsors!
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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 Relations Hotel Star of the Year
This is the first person greeting a guest as they enter a property with a welcoming smile. An associate 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.
Front of the House Restaurant Star of the Year
An associate 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.
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.
HR Professional 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 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 Relations Hotel Star of the Year
This is the first person greeting a guest as they enter a property with a welcoming smile. An associate 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.
Front of the House Restaurant Star of the Year
An associate 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.
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.
HR Professional 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 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.
