Sheila Thomas, General Manager at the Holiday Inn Elmira-Riverview, Elmira, was the recipient of the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association's (NYSHTA) General Manager of the Year (150 rooms or less) Award. The winner was recognized at the Association's 2011 Stars of the Industry Gala & Awards Banquet at the Conference Center Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls, Monday, May 2.

The tourism-related businesses throughout the state who best represent the quality service and spirit of the tourism and hospitality industry.

"All the winners of this year's awards are truly STARS in every sense of the word. Each and every employee being honored exemplifies the true essence of hospitality in New York State," said NYSH&TA President Jan Marie Chesterton.

The New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association (NYSH&TA) is a not-for-profit trade organization representing 1,300 member businesses and individuals in the lodging and attractions industry. NYSH&TA's mission is to provide a strong voice for the New York state hospitality and tourism industry, and to protect and enhance the financial welfare of the industry.

The Outstanding General Manager Award recognizes a hotelier who has demonstrated superior professionalism and taken a leadership role in the industry.

Think you can't afford a getaway to Elmira with the high gas prices? You can with the Gas N Go Package. Stay with us one night or more and receive a complimentary $25.00 gas card per night.

We are a full service hotel featuring a fitness center, indoor/outdoor pools, and Anthony's restaurant and lounge. Allowing for a one-stop for your accommodations, meals and fitness! And a short drive away you can experience Mark Twain Country and its many local offerings including The Christmas House, Tanglewood Nature Center, the Arnot Art Museum and more!

Your gas card(s) will be available upon departure to fill your tank to explore the next adventure.

The package price varies. Please call 607-734-4211 or visit
www.holidayinn.com/elm-riverview to make your reservations.

 

• It's that time of the year where you and your friends are outside cooking on the grill. Be sure you are near the grill when you are cooking, keep children away from the grill and make sure (if you have a gas grill) the propane tank is full and working properly. 
   
• You've been cooped up inside and now the weather beckons you outside! Make sure that you are wearing your sunscreen, even on those cloudy days to help prevent sunburn and skin damage. If you are going swimming be sure to reapply after you get out of the water or use a waterproof sunscreen.   
   
• Many of you will be hitting beaches, pools, lakes and more. Make sure that whether you are swimming, boating, fishing or near water you take the proper safety precautions to make sure everyone has a good time. This includes: (Depending on the water activity) Life vests, supervision, following posted rules, know your limits and know your surroundings. 
   
• When you are planning to go away from home be sure that you allow for extra travel time because other vacationers are out - it's that time of year!  
   
• If you have pets at home, make sure you have someone that can stop by and feed/water the animals and pick up your mail.  
   
• We can't control the weather when we go away but we can control our plans. It's not a bad idea to have back up plans and places to go for those rainy days. Contact the local chamber of visitor's bureau of your destination to do some research and get ideas for places to visit, even those rainy day plans - that's what they are there for! 
   
• Remember its about being safe and fun! You and your family can have a great time no matter what the weather and no matter what the place as long as a little planning is put in place!