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2009 marked the 9th annual Hospitality Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner and Reception. This year's event was a fantastic success, showcasing a wide variety of talent among leaders in our industry. ARA and AHA would like to thank everyone who helped make this event so special, including all the attendees, sponsors, nominees, and to those who nominated someone you consider a "star."
Presenting the 2009 Winners:
2009 Chef of the Year - Joseph Mitchell, Jefferson State Community College Culinary and Hospitality Institute
Chef Mitchell is a Certified Executive Pastry Chef as well as a Certified Culinary Educator with the American Culinary Federation. He was selected as Chef of the Year by the ACF - Birmingham Chapter in 2004. He has more than 25 years in the commercial foodservice industry which includes culinary service as lead pasty chef at the Opryland Hotel, executive pastry chef at Belle Mead Country Club, and executive pastry chef at Mario's Ristorante. Currently, Chef Mitchell serves as program director for the Culinary and Hospitality Institute at Jefferson State Community College, the longest ACF accredited culinary apprenticeship program in Alabama. Extremely active in the community, Chef Mitchell volunteers his time with community events like Relay for Life, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, and Stokin' the Fire. He serves on numerous Culinary/Advisory Boards and has completed and won medals in over 15 ACF professional culinary competitions.
Congratulations Joseph!
2009 Tourism Promoter of the Year: Holly Beach, US Space and Rocket Center
As Vice President of Marketing at the US Space and Rocket Center, Holly Beach has made many outstanding contributions that have directly benefited tourism across the region and enhanced the Huntsville/Madison County image. She works with other attractions, hotels, and restaurants knowing that Huntsville, Madison County, and all of Alabama have a greater opportunity to succeed if we work together. With her current work on the Star Wars: Where Destination Meets Imagination exhibit, which the Space Center has secured for the summer of 2010 with expectations of bringing in excess of 150,000 additional visitors to Huntsville, she has reached out to each tourism entity in the state, tourism groups across the state have embraced her commitment to making the Star Wars exhibit an event that will benefit tourism throughout Alabama by convincing travelers to stay, savor, and visit more of what the state has to offer.
Congratulations Holly!
2009 Tourism Attraction of the Year: USS Alabama Battleship, Mobile, Alabama
The USS ALABAMA saw 37 months of active duty during World War II, earning 9 Battle Stars. The "Mighty A" as she came to be known, safely carried her crew throughout the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean campaigns, and never suffered any casualties or significant damage due to enemy fire. After the war, she was mothballed on Puget Sound at Bremerton, Wash., in 1947. In 1964, a campaign was launched to bring the "Mighty A" home to Alabama as a memorial to the state's sons and daughters who had served in the armed forces. Alabama school children raised almost $100,000 in mostly nickels, dimes, and quarters to help bring her home to her final resting place. A corporate fundraising campaign raised the balance of the $1 million needed for the Navy to donate the ship. The money raised financed the cost of what is still the longest non-military ton/mile tow in history. On Jan. 9, 1965, the "Mighty A" was opened to the public as an independent agency of the state of Alabama. Since then, more than 13 million visitors have trod her decks and stood in awe of her majestic presence.
Congratulations!
2009 Restaurant Employee of the Year: Katerina Psarrass, Brock's at Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa
Katerina has taken complete ownership of the Breakfast Buffet in Brock's. She ensures that they serve only the best food possible on the cleanest buffet possible. She has been told for the last 3 years by the Marriott Quality Assurance Inspector that she has the best buffet he has encountered. This is backed up by Guest Satisfaction Scores in 2007 and 2008 - Brock's at Ross Bridge had the #1 Guest ranking for Breakfast Quality and Service for the entire Renaissance brand. Katerina is constantly looking for ways to improve the presentation of the buffet - when she felt the table covers were lacking, she went home and sewed new ones. When the Buffet needed a little extra color, she hand-embroidered the Renaissance logo onto the napkins. She arranges fresh flowers for the holiday events and assists with dessert preparation. The kitchen is a teaching kitchen for students from Jefferson State University and exchange students from Malaysia. Katerina takes the time to teach these aspiring Chefs several traditional Greek dishes and desserts utilized for special events. She also invites these students into her home on holidays and weekends, preparing them home-cooked meals. This is a person who exemplifies the meaning of hospitality in foodservice.
Congratulations Katerina!
2009 Hospitality Employee of the Year: Marvin Jolly, The Sheraton Birmingham Hotel
Marvin started working at the Sheraton as a Guest Service Coordinator and was recently promoted to a Front Office Supervisor. Marvin is the perfect example of how one person can make a difference. He practices forging strong connections with co-workers and guests each and every day. Marvin took the initiative to begin improving the guest service desk at the Sheraton by doing research on where were the best places to eat, and to have all the answers to the guests' questions on the nearest drugstore, market, hospital, dentist, etc. As he collected research, he put together a wonderful book of information for all the Guest Services Coordinators, Bellmen, Shuttle Drivers, and Valet Drivers. Many of his ideas are created and shared in the hotels via his participation in the Be Great Committee. He takes personal responsibility for his guests and will stick with them until he has the situation resolved.
Congratulations Marvin!
2009 Hospitality Department Manager of the Year: Jarrell Clemmons, Auburn Opelika Marriott at Grand National
Jarrell is the Director of Engineering and has worked at the Auburn Opelika Marriott at Grand National for 6 years. He has one of the most responsible positions in the hotel. If it is maintenance, electrical, or mechanical - every department in the hotel calls for engineering; in other words, the hotel cannot run without him and his staff of eight. He has incredible pride in the quality of his work and executes each task promptly and correctly. He treats everyone with consideration and respect, whether it is an associate or a customer. He expects those that work for him to do the same, and he leads by example. He always thinks of ways to save the hotel money, and his department always comes in under budget. He and his team were a major reason that the hotel was selected as Marriott's Franchised Hotel of the Year.
Congratulations Jerrell!
2009 Restaurant Manager of the Year: Eric Upshaw
Eric is a very firm and strong individual. Eric is a native of Macon County. He resides in Tuskegee, Alabama. He's also the father of 5 children, 3 boys and 2 girls. He began his career in the Hospitality Industry at Victoryland in June of 1985 as a Customer Service Representative, where he enjoyed it through October 1989. His training in the food service industry began in November of 1989. He has worked as the Assistant Food and Beverage Manager for Green Track Racing Facility with the Bryant Management Group near Tuscaloosa, and as Food and Beverage Director with McGregor Enterprises at the Birmingham Race Course. He accepted a transfer back to Victoryland in November of 1997. His staff at this time is over 320 members and growing, ranging from managers, supervisors, administrative and audit personnel. Covering 3 full service restaurants, 3 concession areas, 9 full service bars, and an employee cafe - producing sales of 7 million annually. He's well-rounded. His new realm of entertainment is in the music arena. He's booking live entertainment such as Denise LaSalle and Ronnie Millsap to name a few. Eric is well-respected by his peers and staff. He is a good manager who loves people and his work.
Congratulations!
2009 Silver Spoon Award Winners
1) Cam Ward, Republican - House District 49
In 2002 and again in 2004, Cam was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives for District 49. He will not seek re-election to the House, but instead has announced that he will run for Senate District 14. He serves as Vice-Chairman for the House Republican Caucus. He currently serves on the House Rules, Judiciary and Education Policy Committee. Easter Seals of the United States recently named Cam its State Elected Official of the Year in 2008 for his work in Autism advocacy and services as Chairman of the Alabama Autism Task Force. Cam is married to the former Julie Cain and they have one daughter, Riley. The Wards are members of Westwood Baptist Church in Alabaster. He is an attorney and currently serves as the Economic Developer for Shelby County. He is also a member of the House Tourism Committee, and was instrumental in HB 69 which gave lodging tax exemotions to the motion picture industry, encouraging tourism in the state. He has been a wonderful partner and friend of the foodservice and hospitality industries to have in the Alabama House of Representatives.
2) Lowell Barron, Democrat - Senate District 8
Senator Barron is serving his seventh term in the Senate. In 1983, he became the only successful write-in candidate in the history of the Alabama Legislature. He was born in Jackson County and received his B.S. degree in Pharmacy from auburn University. Senator Barron has four children and five grandchildren. Senator Barron is a businessman, a Democrat, a Baptist, and is a former member of the Auburn University Board of Trustees. He lists hunting, golf, and tennis as his hobbies. Senator Barron served two terms as President Pro Tempore of the Senate, 1999-2006. Senator Barron was responsible for the placement of many of the association's bills on the special order calendar that aided greatly in their passage including but not limited to the Child Labor Law and Municipal Options Bill. He was also a champion against anti-business immigration laws.
2009 Restaurant Supplier of the Year: Don Gann, Royal Cup Coffee
Royal Cup Coffee has been a partner for many organizations over the years. Don is a Branch Manager that helps Royal Cup consistently deliver outstanding service at the moment of request. Many times he stops in just to check on things and make sure that his customers are fully supported. Don has been with Royal Cup Coffee for 32 years. He was Royal Cup's District Manager of the Year in 2000. He is very active in the community and takes care of his customers. In Don's eyes, the customer is #1. He is a very pleasant, wonderful person and is very well-liked by his customers and his fellow Royal Cuppers. Don manages the Royal Cup Gulf Coast Foodservice District. He is responsible for 3 routes and also manages a Service Technician.
He is married to Gayle and they have 2 grown children, Matt and Mallory. Don and Gayle live in Robertsdale, AL. They have 2 amazing grandchildren.
Congratulations Don!
2009 Restaurateur of the Year: Eric Duggan, Eastside Grille
Eric Duggan is an incredibly selfless restaurant owner. He is forever doing something in his community, whether it be volunteering his time, donating food, or letting an organization use his restaurant to hold their event. Just in the past year he has donated food to Goodwill luncheons, helped out with the Arthritis Foudation events, donated time and food to the Extreme Home Makeover Home Edition Crew, held a rib cook-off for Brantwood Children's Home at his restaurant, and was instrumental in putting together the Taste of the River Region, which this year donated over $20,000 to the Junior League of Montgomery to be filtered to many charities in the community. These are just a few of the things that he does.
His staff loves him, he has a very dedicated clientele that go back to the restaurant not just for the food (though it is fantastic!) but to see and support him.
Also, he is a true supporter of the Alabama Restaurant Association, sitting on both the local and state board of directors, and never misses a beat when asked to help, donate, or participate in something the Association is doing.
Congratulations Eric!
2009 Hotelier of the Year: David Clark: Grand Hotel Marriott Resort
David Clark is the General Manager of the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club, and Spa and for the past few years has applied his combination of beliefs, values, ethics, character, knowledge, and skills to the Grand and to the local community. In 2006, David was recognized by Marriott with the Mustang Award for his work leading The Grand back from the devastation that occured during 2005 when Hurricane Katrina's storm surge pushed over 7 inches of water into the lobby of the resort. In 2008 David was recognized by Marriott with the Spirit to Serve our Communities Award for his work in 2007. As President of the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce he helped create the "Blueprint for Tomorrow" campaign that raised more than $2 million for future planned growth. David worked with the Hirs family to start the "Tee Off for a Cure" golf tournament that has raised over $125,000 for Children's Hospital in Birmingham.
Also, in 2008 his mission was to "Go Green" and that meant changing the way the Grand does business to reduce the resort's carbon footprint. This meant a couple of things at the Grand: they recycle all bottles from the Food and Beverage outlets and over 2 tons of cardboard a month. They also send the kitchen oil to a local refiner that converts it to biodiesel that the Grand then uses in its equipment at Lakewood Golf Club. Through David's leadership he inspires his team to achieve new heights of customer satisfaction and financial performance.
Congratulations David!
2009 Lifetime Achievement Award: Lee Sentell, Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel
2009 Spirit Award
The Spirit Award, a new award this year, from now forward will be given to someone whose characteristics transcend that of any other category, making him or her more than an employee of the year. This person is someone who has overcome personal struggles and has still remained so dedicated to the position that he or she is not only an asset to the company, but an inspiration to the industry.
2009 Winner: Ken Jordan, Manna Enterprises/Jack's Family Restaurants
Ken understands how diligence at work will allow him to better himself and who, despite difficult circumstances, puts forth the effort to succeed. Ken had everything going against him. Born deaf and mute, and unable to find gainful employment, when he was given the opportunity to work Ken did not waste the chance to show what he could do; he threw himself wholeheartedly into the job.
Ken lives approximately 12 miles from Jack's Hamburgers. He is not able to get a driver's license so he rides his bicycle to and from work every day. Neither rain nor extremes of heat and cold affect his attendance or punctuality. In the two plus years he has been working he has not missed a day or been late.
Ken takes extreme pride in his work and it shows. He is an intelligent, resourceful, and energetic man, who favorably impressed all of his supervisors, and who earned great respect, admiration, and popularity among his co-workers and people in the community. Ken always has a smile on his face! He is truly an asset to his company and an inspiration to the industry.
Congratulations Ken!
2009 Bartender of the Year: Michael Smith, The Hotel at Auburn University
Congratulations to all the 2009 Winners! Remember to nominate your favorite stars next year at our 10th dinner!
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