In her new role, Price will oversee the sales and marketing efforts for the 329-room meetings and conventions property.  The AAA Four Diamond hotel, which is connected to one of the region's largest indoor shopping malls, draws meeting and social groups, business travelers, and vacationers from around the world.

Price most recently was the director of operations for Integral Hospitality and general manager for the Tutwiler Hotel in Birmingham, Ala.  Before joining the Wynfrey Hotel in 2005, she was the director of operations for H P Hotels; co-owner of Hospitality Business Solutions in Birmingham; general manager of the Holiday Inn in Homewood, Ala.; and director of operations for Jackson Hospitality Services in Birmingham. 

"Rusti is an outstanding professional who has made major contributions to Alabama's hospitality and tourism industries," said hotel general manager Tynette Lynch.  "We are delighted to have her back at the Wynfrey to lead the hotel's sales and marketing efforts.  Under her leadership, the hotel will continue to build on its reputation as one of the top hotels in the Southeast for meetings and conventions."

Price gained statewide notoriety in 1995 by becoming the first recipient of the Alabama Hospitality Association�s Pineapple Award for leadership and dedication to the Alabama tourism industry.  In 2003, Alabama Gov. Bob Riley presented her the Alabama Commendation Medal and the Alabama Faithful Service Medal.  The same year, she received a Volunteer Award from the U.S. Army (Europe and Seventh Army) in Kaiserslautern, Germany.  She was appointed to the Alabama Hospitality Hall of Fame in 2001.
   
"The Wynfrey Hotel is considered the premier hotel in Birmingham, as well as throughout the entire hotel industry," Price said.  "I am thrilled with the opportunity to represent this hotel and its sales team, which I consider to be one of the best groups of sales professionals in the state."

The Wynfrey Hotel, which is conveniently framed by the 2 million-square-foot Riverchase Galleria shopping mall, is a popular destination for conventioneers, business travelers, leisure travelers, shopping enthusiasts, social groups, honeymooners and golfers. Highlights include three ballrooms and 18 meeting rooms totaling more than 32,000 square feet; Shula�s Steak House fine-dining restaurant; the more casual Chicory Grille; Ivory�s, a piano-accented lounge; the Chancellor�s Club, a private concierge level; and a spacious lobby complemented with Italian marble floors and fine art.  

The hotel has undergone many improvements over the past few years.  A $3 million renovation in 2007 included the installation of Italian marble and French chandelier lighting in all of the property�s guest bathrooms. Guests also can enjoy a new upscale amenities package that includes Tarrocco brand shampoos, conditioners, lotions, bath bars and facial bars.  New plush carpet has been installed in corridors on all guest room floors.

In 2003, the Wynfrey joined forces with legendary football coach Don Shula to open Shula�s Steak House, a 140-seat eatery featuring a virtual museum of 1972 Miami Dolphins memorabilia, sepia-toned photos, rich wood, and hand-painted football menus. The restaurant serves only Certified Angus Beef.

 A refurbishment in 2001 included a new state-of-the-art 24-hour business center, new Internet-ready entertainment stations in all guest rooms, and new wall coverings and furniture in the lobby and gallery.

Earlier this year, the hotel made history by receiving its 21st consecutive Four Diamond Award from the American Automobile Association, a first for a lodging property in the state of Alabama.

Over the years, the Wynfrey also has received the highly prized Pinnacle Award from the readers of Successful Meetings magazine, the Mobil Four-Star Award, and the Stars of the South Award from Meetings South magazine for outstanding meeting facilities and excellent service. 

Tynette Lynch
[email protected]

Rusti Price
[email protected]

The Wynfrey Hotel at Riverchase Galleria
(205) 444-5707
http://www.wynfreyhotel.com