Twelve front-line staff and volunteer workers in the local tourism and hospitality industry were honored by industry groups this week for giving visitors exceptional service and serving as positive ambassadors for the city.
VisitLex, the Bluegrass Hospitality Association (BHA) and the Bluegrass Tourism and Marketing Association (BTMA) teamed up to present the awards during the BHA’s annual Tourism Forum luncheon, held on May 9 at the Marriott Griffin Gate.
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2016 Service Excellence Award Winners
2016 Lexington Hospitality Award winners
The award winners included:
Keith Allen, bell captain for the Hyatt Regency Lexington
Martha Bersot, office support assistant for the Kentucky Horse Park
Ed Brand, guest services assistant and receptionist for Blue Grass Airport
Dianna DeLara, front desk clerk for Marriott Griffin Gate Resort & Spa
Iverson Griffin, server for OBC Kitchen
Mary Jo Holland, floor captain/usher for Lexington Opera House
Tina Kohrs, sales coordinator for the Embassy Suites
Julie Mora, bartender for Dudley’s on Short
Charlie Muntz, volunteer docent at Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate
Peggy Prang, breakfast attendant at Holiday Inn Express
Sandy Ritchie, server at Josie’s
Cordell Weatherford, tour guide at Town Branch Distillery
The 12 award winners were selected from 39 individuals nominated from Lexington hotels, restaurants, attractions, Blue Grass Airport and Lexington Center. Winners were recognized and presented with engraved crystal award trophies at the luncheon.
“It is the people working in Lexington’s tourism industry that truly make our destination memorable and create life-long fans of our city,” said Mary Quinn Ramer, VisitLEX president, in a release. “Their dedication to attentive customer service and to gracious hospitality was overwhelmingly evident in their nomination forms.”