East Lansing, April 2009-- The Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association recently honored 12 shining examples of Michigan hospitality and tourism at its annual “Stars of the Industry Dinner” on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center.

One of those honored was Joel Heberlein, general manager of the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center on the campus of Michigan State University.  He was named the Association’s 2009 Hotelier of the Year. Joel has logged over 30 years of service to his guests, employees, and employers.  In that time, he has partnered with the Greater Lansing Area Food Bank to create the Empty Plate Dinner which raised over $100,000 this past year.  He is chairman of the Executive Board of The Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Joel has served as general manager of the Kellogg Hotel for over 12 years, and his property is the Lansing area occupancy leader. Recently, Joel was promoted to the position of director of Hospitality Services for MSU.

The School congratulates Joel on being named the 2009 Hotelier of the Year, an honor he richly deserves.

About The School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University

Recognized as the top-ranked hospitality business school in the world, The School celebrates its 82nd year anniversary in 2009.   The School has more than 9,000 graduates worldwide, including a number of leading academicians and industry executives, who have earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees.  Founded in 1927, the mission of The School is to continually enhance The School's leadership position in hospitality business education through teaching, research, and service.  The School offers an exceptionally well-crafted curriculum, taught by innovative professors who are leading textbook authors, sought-after consultants, and respected researchers.  The mission of The School of Hospitality Business Alumni Association is to provide active leadership in support of the mission of The School of Hospitality Business through membership participation, image enhancement, financial commitment, and promotion of synergies among students, faculty, alumni, and friends.  The First, The Original, and STILL The Leader. . . The School of Hospitality Business.  For more information, please visit http://www.bus.msu.edu/shb/

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