Lake Harmony, PA (May 2, 2001) - Seven industry awards were presented during the Pennsylvania Travel Council (PTC) Spirit of Hospitality Awards Dinner, sponsored by Pepsi Cola Bottling Group, Inc. 

John Russell, chairman of the American Hotel & Lodging Association officiated at the awards presentation. The awards dinner was part of the PTC Annual Conference & Trade Show, featuring the Pocono Mountains Vacation Bureau, Inc. Marketing Day held at The Resort at Split Rock, May 1-3, 2001.

Kathy VanHorn, front desk representative at Woodloch Pines Resort, was recognized as Pennsylvania�s 2001 Lodging Employee of the Year. Woodloch Pines Resort has employed Kathy since 1991. In 2000, she was honored with the Guest Service Award from the Pocono Mountains Vacation Bureau, Inc. 

Ivan Colon, Director of Sales and Marketing at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa was recognized as Pennsylvania�s 2001 Department Manager of the Year. Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa has employed Ivan since 1999. In his present position, Ivan is responsible for all sales and marketing initiatives, public and media relations, as well as the resort�s reservations department.

William Kohl, CHA, CFBE, general manager of the Hilton Harrisburg & Towers, was recognized as Pennsylvania�s 2001 General Manager of the Year. Bill became the first, and to date, only general manager of the prestigious four-diamond Hilton Harrisburg & Towers in 1990. In 1999, Bill was also appointed president of Harrisburg Hotel Corporation, the general partner and management company of the Hilton. In addition, he fills the position of vice president of hospitality for the Harristown Development Corporation, the parent company of Harrisburg Hotel Corporation. 

The Hilton Pittsburgh received the 2001 Spirit of Hospitality Award for Community Service. Community projects the Hilton participated in include: March of Dimes Walkathon; United Way Capital Campaign, a �night out� for 100 underprivileged children from Bear the Burden Ministries, volunteering at a local adult daycare center, planting flowers with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, donating toys to the Salvation Army�s Toys for Tots program, and caring for a 2-mile stretch of highway for the Adopt-a-Highway Program.

HERSHEYPARK received the 2001 Spirit of Hospitality Award for Guest Relations. HERSHEYPARK has numerous guest service efforts in place � for both their internal and external customers. HERSHEYPARK�s efforts in guest relations have impacted them in may ways including: consistently improving attendance figures, positive company reputation, positive guest comments, and winning the coveted Applause Award, the Emmy of the amusement park industry. 

Lawrence Cohen, senior vice president of Aon Risk Services, Inc. of Pennsylvania received the 2001 Associate Member of the Year Award. Larry is an integral and active participant in many Council activities and initiatives. Larry currently serves on the Annual Conference & Trade Show Committee and is a Preferred Program Provider for the Pennsylvania Travel Council. Larry understands the importance and impact of the hospitality industry in Pennsylvania and is always willing to assist members in any way possible.

Finally, the Council always recognizes a future leader in our industry. Daniel Paradiso was the recipient of the 2001 Student of the Year Award. Daniel is a student at East Stroudsburg University and employed by Skytop Lodge. As a Hotel and Restaurant Management major, Daniel currently holds a 4.0 GPA in his major, and a 3.77 GPA overall. Daniel�s hospitality skills, and outstanding grades provide evidence of his commitment to excellence in the hospitality industry.

Making the decisions in choosing this year�s recipients were members of the PTC�s Human Resources Committee, led by William Brett, chairman and vice president of Crown American Hotels.

The PTC is a private, non-profit, membership based association representing the hospitality and tourism industry in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Committed to the unification of the industry, the Council provides operational, educational, and communication services, plus governmental affairs representation, to the industry.