STARS OF THE INDUSTRY AND ANNUAL TOURISM AWARDS PRESENTED IN CHICAGO SOUTHLAND

The 2018 Stars of the Industry Award and Annual Tourism Award Winners were recently recognized for their outstanding service in the hospitality and tourism at the Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon. Photo Credit: Provided by the Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau
The 2018 Stars of the Industry Award and Annual Tourism Award Winners were recently recognized for their outstanding service in the hospitality and tourism at the Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon. Photo Credit: Provided by the Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau

Stars of the Industry and Annual Tourism Awards Presented In Chicago Southland

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

The Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau recently hosted their Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon at the Tinley Park Convention Center. During the event, the 2018 Stars of the Industry Award and Annual Tourism Award Winners were recognized for their outstanding service in the hospitality and tourism industry during Fiscal Year 2018.

“Tourism fuels our economy with outside dollars and in Illinois 1 in 10 people are employed by tourism. It’s these frontline ambassadors that leave a lasting impression on visitors and keep them coming back time and again. The Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau is always encouraging our hospitality partners to raise the bar and these awards perpetuate a higher level of service which reflects their passion in the industry,” said Loren Petrakis, communications manager for The Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau is the regional destination management organization for Chicago’s 63 south and southwest suburbs and markets the Chicago Southland region as a destination for meetings and conventions, group tour, sports events, and leisure.

The Stars of the Industry Awards honor the work of exceptional regional employees and are selected and submitted by our area hotel partners, according to Petrakis. Awards that were presented at the Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon included awards for the Administrative Employee of the Year, Food and Beverage Employee of the Year, Guest Service Employee of the Year, Housekeeping Employee of the Year, Maintenance Employee of the Year, and Manager of the Year.

The Annual Awards that were presented at the event are chosen by the Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau staff as a way of recognizing those that have gone above and beyond in supporting the organization's mission.

The Annual Awards presented at the Luncheon included three Awards of Merit, the Linda Morgan Award for Volunteerism, the Patricia Chase Magon Municipal Leadership Award, the Senator Aldo DeAngelis Leadership Award, and the Member of the Year Award.

The Member of the Year was presented to Lotton Art Glass Gallery and Studios who has been a staple in arts and culture in the Chicago Southland for more than three decades. The Lotton Art Glass Gallery and Studios is a one-of-a-kind attraction in the area and has drawn in individuals and groups who want to take a first-hand look at the art of glass blowing and is always willing to accommodate tour buses and groups that are visiting the region. Glass that was crafted at this studio in the Chicago Southland has made its way to the Smithsonian, the Corning Museum of Glass, and the Art Institute of Chicago, according to Petrakis.

“The Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau is motivated to recognize these workers and partners because they are a direct reflection of the value we put on our hospitality

industry and these individuals should be rewarded for striving for the highest level of professionalism,” said Petrakis.

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