BOSTON � March 9, 2010 - The Massachusetts lodging industry came together at the Omni Parker House Hotel on Friday, February 26, 2010 to honor exemplary employees and unique programs in the industry, at the 2009 Stars of the Industry Awards Gala. All winners will be submitted to national nomination for the American Hotel & Lodging Association Stars of the Industry Awards, which parallel the Massachusetts Lodging Association awards.
 
�We had a record number of nominees this year,� said Paul J. Sacco, President & CEO of the Massachusetts Lodging Association.  �We�d like to congratulate all winners and nominees on their accomplishments in the past year�. This year's recipients of the Stars of the Industry Awards are:

Employee of the Year (medium property � 101-300 rooms)
Lai Chan, Nine Zero Hotel
 
Employee of the Year (large property � over 300 rooms)
Deidre Leahy, Hyatt Regency Boston
 
Manager of the Year (medium property � 101-300 rooms)
Barbara Anastasia, Phillips Family Properties
 
Manager of the Year (large property � over 300 rooms)
David Markland, The Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers
 
General Manager of the Year (small property � up to 100 rooms)
Juli Lederhaus, Hawthorne Hotel
 
General Manager of the Year (medium property � 101-300 rooms)
Brian Stiglets, Best Western Inn at Longwood
 
Industry Partner Employee of the Year 
Cathy Doran, Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau
 
Stevan Porter Emerging Hospitality Leader of the Year  (up to 150 rooms)
Michelle Wolforth, Mandarin Oriental, Boston 
 
Stevan Porter Emerging Hospitality Leader of the Year (over 150 rooms)
Elaine Strunk, The Lenox Hotel
 
Prism Award for Diversity
Hawthorne Hotel
 
New Technology
Mandarin Oriental, Boston
 
Community Service
Four Seasons Hotel � Teddy Bear Tea
 
Employee Relations (up to 150 rooms)
Hotel Commonwealth
 
Employee Relations  (over 150 rooms)
The Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers
 
Guest Relations
Hotel Marlowe  - Kimpton Hotels/Pet Friendly Program
 
Good Earthkeeping 
The Charles Hotel
 
Special Events (Ongoing� over 150 rooms)
The Liberty Hotel
 
Special Events (One Time � over 150 rooms)
Westin Copley Place � Dinner on the Mayflower

 

In this photo:  Cathy Doran,  Senior Vice President of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau receives the Massachusetts Lodging Association�s Star of the Industry Award for Outstanding Industry Partner. From Left:  David Colella, the Managing Director of the Colonnade Hotel and Chair of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau, Cathy Doran, presenting the award is Paul Sacco, CEO of the Massachusetts Lodging Association, and Pat Moscaritolo President & CEO, Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The Massachusetts Lodging Association is a trade association representing and promoting the lodging industry in Massachusetts. MLA has more than 400 active property members, which include hotels, motels, resorts, inns and bed and breakfasts, comprising more than 35,000 rooms. Association membership includes more than 200 companies that supply products and services to the lodging industry. In addition, more than 15 colleges and universities that have hospitality programs are members, as well as a number of corporate members that represent companies which own or manage properties. For more information, please visit MLA�s website: www.masslodging.com