February 14, 2009 - When Kathy Crone retired after 31 years of teaching, she wasn't about to simply sit around.

"I knew I wasn't going to sit on the porch in a rocking chair," Crone said. "I wanted to work and I like to work with people." Crone's outgoing personality and background of keeping organized for school classes led her to the assistant general manager position at the Courtyard by Marriott in Frederick.

Nominated by both the general managers at the Courtyard and Residence Inn, where she formerly worked, Crone was chosen as the Manager of the Year by the Maryland Hotel and Lodging Association. Over more than three decades, she taught second and third grades at Brunswick Elementary School.

After retiring, she went to an open house at Frederick Community College to explore its food and hospitality department. She met executives from the Plamondon Companies who operate the local hotels and was told about the opportunities there, as well as the family atmosphere of working in the company.

"I started part time at the front desk. That's all I had planned to do, but I got hooked," Crone said.

Her hard work, dedication and outstanding service to hotel guests took her up the ladder to operations manager and then assistant general manager in just six years.

Nettie DellaPenna, general manager of the Frederick Residence Inn by Marriott said "guests feel comfortable going to her for anything, whether it be advice, guidance, directions, or personal issues." Being a longtime resident of Frederick County, Crone provides visitors quality information about the community, local tourism attractions and area events.

"We are pleased that the outstanding hospitality offered by one of our local hotel associates has been recognized on a statewide level," said John Fieseler, executive director of the Tourism Council of Frederick County. "Those of us who have seen Kathy in action are not surprised, but it is nice to know that her efforts are acknowledged by the lodging industry throughout the state."

Crone's award is a new one, launched this year by the hotel association to honor managers. Previously, awards were given to other hotel personnel for achievements.

Crone will go forward as a nominee for national industry awards in June. "It's really the icing on the cake," Crone said of her award. "I really love what I do."

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