The AH&LA 2009 Stars of the Industry Award for Special Events-Ongoing for a Large Property Awarded to The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation, Georgia / August 2009

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The AH&LA 2009 Stars of the Industry Award for Special Events-Ongoing
for a Large Property Awarded to The Ritz-Carlton Lodge,
Reynolds Plantation, Georgia

GREENSBORO, GA - August 1, 2009 - The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation was honored recently with the 2009 Stars of the Industry Award by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA). The Lodge won the Special Events-Ongoing award for a large property, for their annual Lighting of the Lodge event. General Manager Steven Freund accepted the award on behalf of The Ritz-Carlton Lodge during the annual Stars of the Industry luncheon on June 24 during the AH&LA Summer Summit in Chicago, Illinois.

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�The Lighting of The Lodge event is evidence of the creativity and dedication to hospitality�s guests and employees every one in the lodging industry should aspire to,� said AH&LA President/CEO Joseph A. McInerney, CHA. The Ritz-Carlton Lodge was one of only eleven properties nationwide that were selected for this annual award that recognizes outstanding hotel programs throughout the country. Stars of the Industry awards also honored ten stand-out hospitality employees.

�This is the property�s annual benefit for the Greensboro Dreamers, an organization that empowers children in low-income communities to achieve higher education,� explained presenter David Kong, vice chairman, AH&LA and president and CEO, Best Western International during the ceremony. �It�s also a huge celebration of the holiday season for the property�s guests and local community residents. A live nativity scene, petting zoo, the �largest gingerbread in the south,� live music, and 1.5 million white lights set the stage for visitors. The icing on the cake each year is Santa�s surprise arrival � which has been by hot air balloon, hang-glider, and on the back of a Marine Corps 7-ton truck.� At last year�s event, NASCAR hero Richard Petty surprised the crowd of 2500 celebrants by driving the Christmas icon into the holiday event in a classic cruiser. The event raised a record sum of over $45,000.for Greensboro Dreamers, Camp Collinswood and other local charities. �This annual event has become one of the most well-known and well-attended events in the region,� added Kong.
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From left to right: Mr. Steven Freund, the General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation with Mr. Joe Martin, current Chairman of AH&LA, and owner/operator of Stillwater Hospitality at the Stars of the Industry Luncheon

The Ritz-Carlton Lodge is planning to offers its guests and members of the community an opportunity to meet, greet and celebrate for a good cause again this year. The 8th Annual Lighting of The Lodge is planned for Wednesday, November 25. For information or room reservations, please call toll free (800) 241-3333 or visit the web site at www.ritzcarltonlodge.com.

Contact:

Liza Kubik
Director of Public Relations
The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation
One Lake Oconee Trail
Greensboro, GA 30642
Phone: (706) 467-0600
Direct (706) 467-7044
Fax (706) 467-0601
Email: [email protected]
www.ritzcarltonlodge.com

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Also See:

Developers, Tourism Officials Set High Hopes for $125 million Ritz-Carlton Lodge at Reynolds Plantation / April 2002

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