Louisville's Hospitality Heroes Honored

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Nov. 4, 2009) - The Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau honored the tourism industry's finest at this year's annual meeting and awards ceremony on Wednesday, November 4. Celebrating its 17th year, the event recognizes the many people on the front line of the hospitality industry that have made Louisville a successful destination. More than 400 distinguished guests and tourism professionals attended the event held at the Marriott Louisville Downtown.

The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the ROSE (Recognition of Service Excellence) Award winners. These awards are presented to front-line employees in the hospitality industry in six categories: attractions, accommodations, restaurants, transportation, volunteer and behind-the-scenes. ROSE Award winners are chosen from 41 nominees submitted by managers and supervisors of organizations from throughout the industry and voted online by the public.

The 2009 ROSE Award winners are: Elizabeth Massey, Wheel Fun Rentals (Attractions), Joyce Malone, The Brown Hotel (Accommodations), Kelly Miracle, The Brown Hotel (Behind the Scenes), Olivia Sauder, Mark's Feed Store (Restaurants), Bob Carrico, Ready Cab Company (Transportation), Earlene Zimlich, Old Louisville Chamber of Commerce and (Volunteers).

The Dan Mangeot Award was presented to Bill Samuels, Jr.. This award honors an individual who has made the most significant contribution to the advancement of tourism and has a history of supporting the hospitality industry throughout his/her professional lifetime. Said Jim Wood, Bureau president & CEO, "Bill embodies the spirit of Kentucky and has long served as one of its greatest ambassadors. His vision and commitment to tourism through his creativity in the bourbon industry helped pave the way for marketing Bourbon Country as a signature tourist destination."

The Unity Award was presented to Muhammad Ali, a Louisville favorite son and world icon. This award recognizes outstanding achievement in the promotion of diversity in the hospitality industry.

Lynn Ashton, Executive Director of the Kentucky Derby Museum, was presented with the Partner of Year Award which honors the most outstanding Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau's partner.

Ambassador Awards were presented to 9 individuals who have significantly contributed to the Bureau's sales initiatives by helping to bring convention business to Louisville, including: Deborah "Deb" Davies, Deborah Anderson, Don Hileman, Doug Shutte, Dudley Conner, Major General Edward Tonini, Mike Stone, Tara Boh Klute & Charlotte McPherson.

"It is an honor to publicly thank the many men and women who work tirelessly to make Louisville a special place to live, work and visit. They are the many reasons our city stands out among other destinations in hospitality and service," said Jim Wood, Bureau president & CEO. "They are making a difference and contributing to the economic vibrancy of our city by creating a positive experience for our visitors."

The travel and tourism industry is the third largest service industry in Louisville, supporting 28,000 jobs and creating an economic impact of $1.7 billion with 8.5 millions visitors annually.

Since 1968, the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau?s primary goal has been to enhance the city and county?s economy through tourism development ? to promote and sell Louisville as a destination for conventions, trade shows, corporate meetings and pleasure and business travel on a worldwide basis.