SAVE THE DATE! The annual 2012 Vermont Chamber Hospitality Gala will be held September 12, 2012. Showcasing the masterminds behind our charming inns, culinary destinations, and intriguing attractions, this premier event recognizes the strength and vitality of Vermont hospitality. Come celebrate the achievements of your tourism colleagues, and allow us to present you with a special evening! Stay tuned for all event details and registration information.
The Award Nomination system is now open! Help set the stage for a spectacular event by nominating a hospitality leader today. Four prestigious awards will be recognized at the 2012 Vermont Chamber Hospitality Gala. Please tell us in four hundred words or less about your favorite restaurant, innkeeper, chef, or overall hospitality star leader through our easy online application. Now is your chance to recognize peer-driven industry excellence! Nomination deadline: Friday, June 22, 2012.
Each year, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce holds the Hospitality Gala, recognizing individuals and businesses in the hospitality industry for their accomplishments and contributions to the state’s economy. This event is a premium networking event, providing contact with and exposure to the highest profile people who exemplify the success of this leading industry. This event serves to recognize Vermont's achievements and help promote the support and growth of the hospitality industry.
The Vermont Chamber's Tourism Division will present the prestigious hospitality awards:
Borden E. Avery Innkeeper of the Year
Chef of the Year
Restaurateurs of the Year
Allied Member of the Year
Nominate someone today!
Allied Member of the Year
This award is designed for an individual who is a leader in offering a service that supports and promotes the hospitality industry in Vermont. 2011 Winner—David Grimm, Champlain Valley Exposition. In its growth from a 10-day fairground to a year-round event management company, David Grimm has quietly executed a visionary plan for the Champlain Valley Exposition. His leadership has resulted in large regional events, filling area hotel beds and restaurant tables; through his management style, he insured success by guiding Exposition staff through a tremendous transition in which he developed all new departments and managers.
Borden E. Avery Innkeeper of the Year
This award is designed for individuals who continue to demonstrate excellence in the operation and management of a Vermont bed & breakfast, inn or a hotel. 2011 Winner—Brett Loehr with Linchris Hotel Corp. Brett’s aggressive and broad-based destination campaign supporting Vermont as a whole has spanned more than a decade. He has been instrumental in lifting the Vermont brand through consumer and industry outreach in the Green Mountain State’s metro drive markets. Having started his career 29 years ago as a bell boy, his commitment to safety and skills training, department cross training, and promoting from within is exemplary, instilling professionalism, motivation, and ethics in all areas of his supervision. 2011 Winner of the B&B Innkeeper of the Year: Frank & Julie Hanes, Inn at Manchester Frank & Julie are masters at developing relationships with customers, with a “can do” attitude that not only provides leadership for staff, but inspires customer loyalty. They are active in legislative activities on behalf of B&Bs, and give their time to community interests and non-profits, particularly in support of the arts in Vermont.
Chef of the Year
This award recognizes an individual with a proven history of supporting Vermont's agricultural economy through the use of local food and products. The winner of the Vermont Chamber Chef of the Year Award also is the Vermont Chef Delegate to the New England Food Show, held annually in Boston. 2011 Winner—Chef Tom Bivins now at Crop Bristro & Brewery in Stowe. His commitment extends from his own small scale farming ventures and purchasing decisions, to his leadership and advocacy on behalf of Vermont local food movements. Through his position at NECI, Chef Bivins has instilled sustainable practices into NECI’s curriculum, as well as been integral to developing future chefs through his own student and peer mentoring activities.
Restaurateur of the Year
This award honors restaurateurs who continue to demonstrate excellence in the operation and management of a restaurant in Vermont. 2011 Winner—Michael & Laura Kloeti, Michael’s on the Hill in Waterbury. Laura and Michael Kloeti raise the bar in terms of product, reputation, revenue, and community engagement. They are icons on a statewide level in a number of different forums, through their restaurant’s leadership in charitable endeavors, environmental stewardship, culinary tourism, and support of local agriculture and the “farm to table” movement.