News for the Hospitality Executive |
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Awards by the Hotel & Lodging Association of Greater Houston |
November 24, 2008 - When the Hotel & Lodging Association of Greater
Houston celebrated its Fourth Annual Hospitality on Parade Awards Dinner
Nov. 21, it did so in a city still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane
Ike. The storm was remembered, not just for its destruction, however, but
for the hospitality heroism that it produced.
Thus, along with the annual recognition of some of the industry�s best, this year�s gala noted the extraordinary actions of five industry members during and after the storm and put their names in nomination for a very special Houston Hero Award. Narrowing it down to five people had been difficult. Narrowing it down to one was impossible. It ended up a tie with two awards handed out. The winners were
On Galveston Island, Schultz stood fast at The San Luis, but when the impact of the storm became clear the next morning, he immediately began assessing the needs of his employees, many who had lost everything. He organized clothing, food and furniture drives. He scoured his own home for things he could donated. He secured rooms in his hotel and others for employees and their families. Those who needed it, received three hot meals a day throughout the month of October. He organized caravans to the island so that employees could get to the hotel and not suffer further financial loss because they could not get to work. His retail manager was authorized to purchase basic toiletries and clothing for those whose homes were gone. Besides The Houston Hero Awards, there were five winners of the annual award categories. These were: GUEST SERVICESChairing the black-tie event - after creating a near sold-out gala for its debut in 2005 and serving as chair every year since - will be Doug Horn, past Chairman of the Board of the Greater Houston Convention and Visitor�s Bureau as well as a lifetime member of the Hotel & Lodging Association of Greater Houston. More than 500 people attended the awards celebration which was held at the Hyatt Regency Houston Downtown. Joining in on the celebration and recognition dinner was The University of Houston ~ Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, continuing a partnership that dates back almost forty years. Candidates for all the awards are nominated by their peers and employers. The names of the nominees are submitted with detailed information on why they have been nominated and then given to a panel of industry leaders from all over Southeast Texas. The panel then selects the winners. Proceeds from the special event benefit programs and services of the HLAGH and the Hilton College Alumni Board Endowed Scholarship. This newly-created scholarship will be awarded to students interested in pursuing studies in the hospitality industry. Recognized internationally for its preeminence in the hospitality industry, the UH Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management meets the high demand for education in management, leadership and the numerous disciplines of the complex hospitality industry. The HLAGH represents the hotel industry that provides over 25,000 jobs in the city and is responsible for an economic impact of $9.8 billion in revenues. The Association strongly believes in supporting the community through outreach events such as the annual Bike Building Event as well as works to educate future hospitality employees through its scholarship programs and mentoring activities. |
Contact:
Joan Johnson
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