Traverse City, Mich. — Ten Superstars of the Traverse City region were honored with the first Hospitality High Five Awards presented Thursday by Traverse City Tourism. The awards are designed to recognize individuals who help make the region one of the premier travel destinations in the Midwest. The awards were given at the Traverse City Tourism Annual Meeting at the Park Place Hotel.
“Traverse City would never be as successful without the warmth and genuine welcoming from thousands of professionals that work in hospitality,” said Traverse City Tourism President, Trevor Tkach (Tah-kosch)(left). “Every single award winner goes above expectations to create a positive experience. They foster an atmosphere that beckons people to return again and again.”Over 80 nominations were received for the ten awards. The award categories include customer-facing roles, those who work behind the scenes, industry newcomers, seasonal workers, and management positions. A panel of local hospitality experts narrowed the nominees to the final winners.
Those receiving the awards were:
- Front of House (Lodging) – Stephanie Gray – Crystal Mountain
- Front of House (All Venues) – Rachel Payne – Shorts Brewing
- Back of House (Lodging) – Aurora Bernal – Sleep Inn & Suites/Brio Beach Inn
- Back of House (All Venues) – Maria Leggett – Broomstack Kitchen & Taphouse
- Seasonal – Jayson Spaulding – Crystal Mountain
- Rookie of the Year – Lilyona Macguire – Tru by Hilton
- Sales/Marketing/Finance – Kristin Toedebusch – Superior Hospitality
- Festival & Events – Kat Paye – The Festival Foundation (National Cherry Festival)
- Hospitality All Star – Kimberly Zacharias – Black Star Farms
- Leadership – Michaelene V’Soske – Grand Traverse Resort & Spa
Each award recipient received an award, a certificate from the State of Michigan signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, State Senators John Damoose and Jon Bumstead, and State Representatives John Roth and Betsy Coffia. Award winners received a specialized gift package that allows them to enjoy the products and experiences that visitors to the region value.
Traverse City Tourism used the Annual Meeting to highlight the overall impact of travel to the area. Citing the most recent study from 2022, tourism to the Traverse City Region pumped in $1.4 billion to the local economy and generated over 8,900 jobs. Visitors add $134 million in tax revenues, which creates a tax savings of over $2,400 per local household.
More information about Traverse City Tourism is available at www.TraverseCity.com.
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About Traverse City Tourism
Traverse City Tourism is an independent, not-for-profit destination organization that promotes the greater Traverse City area as a leisure and business destination with an excellent quality-of-life. Through the impact of travel, Traverse City Tourism helps strengthen the local economy and supports a thriving entrepreneurial community. Details of the regions lodging, attractions and area events are available at www.TraverseCity.com
