| September 3, 1998 - Russell (Russ) A. Kimball, CHA, has
been named Florida's "Hotelier of the Year" by the Florida Hotel &
Motel Association (FH&MA). The award was made to the Clearwater
Beach hotelier at the statewide lodging industry's annual conference on
Thursday, Sept. 3 at the Renaissance Orlando Resort.
Kimball was chosen by his colleagues for this award--the Florida lodging industry's highest honor--due to his continued dedication to the hospitality business and his outstanding professional and personal accomplishments. Thomas A. Waits, FH&MA's president/CEO, said, "I can think of no more deserving individual in Florida for this award. His (Kimball's) work and dedication to our industry and his leadership for our association have been nothing short of outstanding." Kimball is the executive vice president and general manager of the Sheraton
Sand Key Resort in Kimball led FH&MA as its chairman in 1996, and continues to serve on the board of directors. On a local level, Kimball is a founder and was the first chairman of the Pinellas County Hotel & Motel Association chapter of FH&MA, where he remains an active member. He also serves on the board of directors of the Greater Clearwater Chamber of Commerce. Kimball is an active member of the Pinellas County Tourist Development Council and the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. A Certified Hotel Administrator, Kimball holds a bachelor of science
degree in hotel and restaurant management from Florida State University.
He is a 27-year Clearwater resident.
|
Clearwater
Beach, part of a group of hotels (including the Biltmore in Coral Gables)
owned and managed by Seaway Hotels, a Miami-based company. On an international
level, he serves on the ITT Sheraton Corporation International Council.