Excitement fills the air when awards are given, whether it's the Oscars or a three legged race at a company picnic. That kind of enthusiasm was evident Oct. 9 when the unsung heroes and heroines of the hospitality industry got their share of the spotlight.
The Carlsbad Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted the first annual Tourism Recognition and Scholarship Awards Luncheon at La Costa Resort and Spa. The awards honored business and individuals who have made significant, positive impacts on Carlsbad's tourism industry through hard work, good humor and a dedication to making a visit to Carlsbad both pleasant and memorable.
“These award recipients have contributed to today's successful tourism programs,” said Kurt Burkhart, executive director of the bureau. “We are delighted to have the opportunity to recognize and thank them on behalf of the industry.”
Keynote speaker Caroline Beteta, national chair of the Travel Industry Association and president and CEO of the California Tourism & Travel Commission, addressed the group on “How to Increase Your Competitive Edge in Time of Challenge.” When asked her thoughts on the industry as a career, Beteta pointed out that travel and tourism's affects reach across all sectors of the economy.
“Not only does the industry provide millions of dollars in tax revenue and hundreds of thousands of jobs for local, state and national economies, but the industry provides an incredible service to consumers seeking relaxation, knowledge and adventure,” she said. “Our jobs cannot be exported and the experiences we provide can truly change lives. I'm so proud of this industry and the things we have accomplished, and look forward to turning over the reins to the next generation.”
John Culea, a representative from the office of Supervisor Bill Horn, was on hand to award scholarships to three deserving students. The county of San Diego and the bureau matched funds to provide three scholarships.
This year's winners are Bei Lu who received $2,000 and Rachell Wasko and Erica Diersing who each received $1,000. The county already has approved $3,000 for next year's scholarships.
The luncheon attendees enjoyed the presentation of awards to our outstanding men and women whose day-to-day contributions give hospitality its value and help secure the industry's future.
The Best of the Best Awards were given to:
• Best Bartender, Howie Ovedia, Tuscany Restaurant.
• Best Server, Natalie Brookhart, King's Fish House.
• Best Food & Beverage Back of House, Tyler Reid, Norte Restaurant.
• Best Lodging Back of House, Charles Huie, Inns of America Suites.
• Best Lodging Front Desk, Lilia Callies of La Costa Resort and Spa and Juan Garcia of Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa tied.
• Best Lodging Concierge, Tammy Han, Four Seasons Resort Aviara.
• Best Customer Service, Veronica Bane, Legoland California Resort.
• Best Retailer, Tom Bwarie, The Bwarie Gift Basket Company.
• Best Manager, Carl Holmes of West Inn & Suites and Christy Johnson of Carlsbad Village Farmers' Market tied.
• You Made My Carlsbad Vacation, Ursula Swope, 7-11 on Oak Avenue.
The People's Choice Award for Business of the Year went to the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa.
Kurt Burkhart, executive director of the bureau, was awarded The Champion of Tourism Award. The award represents the importance of an individual or organization whose efforts have greatly contributed to keeping Carlsbad at the forefront of the tourism industry and who see the big picture of how cooperation and sharing resources benefits our overall tourism product, Carlsbad.
The Shining Star award is given annually to one of the bureau's Visitor Information Center's hospitality ambassadors for dedication, commitment and enthusiasm. The 2008 award went to Laverne Anderson.
The bureau created the Tony Howard-Jones Lifetime Achievement Award to recognize an individual who has demonstrated leadership, vision and a lifelong contribution to Carlsbad's tourism industry. The 2008 award went to Douglas A. Yavanian of La Costa Resort and Spa.
“I am pleased to see these individuals and organizations recognized for the good work they do,” said Nancy Nayudu, chairwoman of the bureau. “Their efforts benefit us all and I am grateful for their dedication and hard work on behalf of Carlsbad's tourism industry.”
The Carlsbad Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted the first annual Tourism Recognition and Scholarship Awards Luncheon at La Costa Resort and Spa. The awards honored business and individuals who have made significant, positive impacts on Carlsbad's tourism industry through hard work, good humor and a dedication to making a visit to Carlsbad both pleasant and memorable.
“These award recipients have contributed to today's successful tourism programs,” said Kurt Burkhart, executive director of the bureau. “We are delighted to have the opportunity to recognize and thank them on behalf of the industry.”
Keynote speaker Caroline Beteta, national chair of the Travel Industry Association and president and CEO of the California Tourism & Travel Commission, addressed the group on “How to Increase Your Competitive Edge in Time of Challenge.” When asked her thoughts on the industry as a career, Beteta pointed out that travel and tourism's affects reach across all sectors of the economy.
“Not only does the industry provide millions of dollars in tax revenue and hundreds of thousands of jobs for local, state and national economies, but the industry provides an incredible service to consumers seeking relaxation, knowledge and adventure,” she said. “Our jobs cannot be exported and the experiences we provide can truly change lives. I'm so proud of this industry and the things we have accomplished, and look forward to turning over the reins to the next generation.”
John Culea, a representative from the office of Supervisor Bill Horn, was on hand to award scholarships to three deserving students. The county of San Diego and the bureau matched funds to provide three scholarships.
This year's winners are Bei Lu who received $2,000 and Rachell Wasko and Erica Diersing who each received $1,000. The county already has approved $3,000 for next year's scholarships.
The luncheon attendees enjoyed the presentation of awards to our outstanding men and women whose day-to-day contributions give hospitality its value and help secure the industry's future.
The Best of the Best Awards were given to:
• Best Bartender, Howie Ovedia, Tuscany Restaurant.
• Best Server, Natalie Brookhart, King's Fish House.
• Best Food & Beverage Back of House, Tyler Reid, Norte Restaurant.
• Best Lodging Back of House, Charles Huie, Inns of America Suites.
• Best Lodging Front Desk, Lilia Callies of La Costa Resort and Spa and Juan Garcia of Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa tied.
• Best Lodging Concierge, Tammy Han, Four Seasons Resort Aviara.
• Best Customer Service, Veronica Bane, Legoland California Resort.
• Best Retailer, Tom Bwarie, The Bwarie Gift Basket Company.
• Best Manager, Carl Holmes of West Inn & Suites and Christy Johnson of Carlsbad Village Farmers' Market tied.
• You Made My Carlsbad Vacation, Ursula Swope, 7-11 on Oak Avenue.
The People's Choice Award for Business of the Year went to the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa.
Kurt Burkhart, executive director of the bureau, was awarded The Champion of Tourism Award. The award represents the importance of an individual or organization whose efforts have greatly contributed to keeping Carlsbad at the forefront of the tourism industry and who see the big picture of how cooperation and sharing resources benefits our overall tourism product, Carlsbad.
The Shining Star award is given annually to one of the bureau's Visitor Information Center's hospitality ambassadors for dedication, commitment and enthusiasm. The 2008 award went to Laverne Anderson.
The bureau created the Tony Howard-Jones Lifetime Achievement Award to recognize an individual who has demonstrated leadership, vision and a lifelong contribution to Carlsbad's tourism industry. The 2008 award went to Douglas A. Yavanian of La Costa Resort and Spa.
“I am pleased to see these individuals and organizations recognized for the good work they do,” said Nancy Nayudu, chairwoman of the bureau. “Their efforts benefit us all and I am grateful for their dedication and hard work on behalf of Carlsbad's tourism industry.”