ATHENS TOURISM CELEBRATED
HOSPITALITY AWARDS PRESENTED
During
CVB ANNUAL MEETING
Athens, Georgia- August 19, 2010 - The Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) held its Annual Meeting Thursday, August 19 to review local tourism performance for FY 10 and plans for FY 11. Athens Mayor Heidi Davison and Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp joined local hospitality industry representatives at the event. Mayor Davison and Secretary Kemp spoke on the importance of Athens' hospitality industry as well as its impact on area and statewide economies. The CVB presented the Athens Hospitality Awards, which recognize the outstanding work of individuals whose efforts have made a positive impact on the Athens-Clarke County visitor experience.
The Louis Griffith Hospitality Leadership Award honors an outstanding individual in the local hospitality industry who displays foresight and exceptional leadership skills to impact the Athens-Clarke County hospitality industry and the community as a whole. The 2010 Louis Griffith Hospitality Leadership Award was presented to Dede Farmer. For the past 15 years she has positively impacted the Athens economy while becoming a true ambassador for home-grown hospitality. Farmer, the Director of Operations for the Foundry Park Inn & Spa, joined the hotel in 2005 after holding previous positions at Motel Enterprises. In addition to overseeing hotel operations, including 135 employees, and ensuring a positive guest experience at the Foundry Park Inn & Spa, Farmer has long played an active role in many community organizations. She raised hundreds of thousands of dollars during past appointments to the Clarke Central Booster Club and Hope Haven Board of Directors. Farmer is currently a member of the Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board and the Athens Chamber of Commerce where her input and vision have helped to transform Athens into a tourist destination of choice.
The Classic Host Award recognizes a local individual or individuals committed to bringing to Athens a new convention, meeting or event generating a significant economic impact. The 2010 Classic Host Award was given to both Matt Brachowski and Christie Purks of the UGA Athletic Association, in recognition of their instrumental role in securing and servicing a number of major NCAA events and tournaments. Matt Brachowski, Assistant Athletic Director for Event Management, and Christie Purks, Associate Director of Event Management, have been the catalyst for UGA's and Athens' securing past collegiate events such as SEC and NCAA Swim and Dive Championships, SEC Track and Field Championships, and SEC and National Gymnastics Championships. In this challenging economy, the NCAA Mens and Womens Tennis Championships this spring, in particular, provided a critical influx of visitor spending that contributed to local hoteliers' and merchants' bottom lines. With continued assistance from Brachowski and Purks, the NCAA Mens and Women's Tennis Championships have chosen to return to Athens in 2012.
The Hospitality H.E.R.O.E.S. (Hospitality Employees Recognition of Excellent Service) of the Year Award recognizes a front-line employee who has exceeded normal expectations to provide excellent service to visitors and residents. The 2010 Hospitality H.E.R.O.E.S. of the Year recipient is Patrick Howard, Guest Services Manager of the Foundry Park Inn & Spa. The CVB recognized Howard for his dedication to the hospitality industry and for going far beyond his job description to provide assistance to hotel and spa guests. "In my 15 years in the hospitality industry, I can't recall meeting someone who embodies the spirit of hospitality as much as Patrick. His ready smile and willingness to help however and wherever possible with both guests and coworkers exemplifies what we strive to be in our profession," said Brad Beasley, Director of Room Operations at The Foundry Park Inn & Spa.
Guests of the Foundry were consistently impressed with Howard's friendliness and ability to create a one-of-a-kind hotel experience. The following comment is typical of the response Howard receives from guests: "This was the most wonderful experience. The staff was absolutely incredible. Patrick was awesome. He went so far out of his way to make our stay perfect."
"We are so gratified to be able to gather to recognize the importance of this industry to the local economy," remarked Amy Clark, CVB Leisure Travel Marketing Director. "Through the efforts of those in this room, we are making a difference by putting our best foot forward and delivering on visitor expectations. A vibrant tourism product keeps our entire local economy vibrant, thanks to visitor spending."
