Experience Grand Rapids and the Kent County Lodging Association (KCLA) announced the 2012 winners of the Fifth Annual WAVE Awards–a program that recognizes outstanding service providers in the Grand Rapids and Kent County hospitality industry.
Guests and employers nominated nearly thirty individuals in six categories between April and October. A judging panel evaluated the nominees on a set of criteria, including the individual’s attitude, attentiveness, performance, knowledge, and consistency within the local hospitality industry. Winners were selected in the categories of Attraction/Events, Dining, Lodging, Nightlife, Retail/Service, and Transportation.
2012 winners include:
- Dining Jeff Fenton Amway Grand Plaza Hotel-Cygnus 27
- Lodging Jenifer Cutter Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
- Nightlife Kellie Rowland JW Marriott-Mixology Lounge
- Transportation Doyle Fisher Metro Cab Grand Rapids
- Retail/Service Cherie Jaworowicz Bokay by Eastern Floral
- Attractions/Events Ashley Alexander West Michigan Sports Commission
"We are so grateful to the West Michigan community for continuing to embrace the Experience Grand Rapids mission. The Impacting Hospitality Celebration allows us to display our gratitude and sincere appreciation by acknowledging the many service providers and Hometown Champs that have each gone above and beyond to provide exceptional service, create memorable experiences and bring new convention business to Grand Rapids,” said Experience Grand Rapids President Doug Small. “We look forward to honoring these deserving individuals at WAVE Awards and celebrate their remarkable efforts as they create great lasting impressions for our city. Thank you for making such significant contributions to our industry.”
WAVE winners and their employers will be formally recognized at the Impacting Hospitality Celebration on Thursday, November 8 at the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer and Food Festival at DeVos Place. WOOD TV 8’s Eva Aguirre Cooper will host the ceremony. Experience Grand Rapids will also recognize its “Hometown Champions” at the event for their help in bringing conventions to Grand Rapids.
“Kent County Lodging Association is thrilled to be celebrating our best-of-the-best in the hospitality industry along with our partnership with Experience Grand Rapids for its fifth year of the annual Impacting Hospitality Celebration,” said Kent County Lodging Association President Brian Behler.
The six winners will also be nominated in their respective categories for the Stars of the Industry Awards. The winners will be announced at the 2013 Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference. Hosted by Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association and Travel Michigan, the annual industry gathering of tourism and lodging leaders will be held next March in Grand Rapids.
Nominations for 2013 WAVE Awards will open in April and run through September. Winners will be recognized in conjunction with the International Wine, Beer and Food Festival next November. Program information is available at www.waveaward.com.
Source: Experience Grand Rapids
