There was a very special event on Wednesday evening at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster. The annual 2013 ROSE Awards took place then and it was a wonderful demonstration of how good work does not go unrecognized.
Things started off with a three-course dinner that the guests enjoyed at well-set tables that were set up to surround the stage in the corner of the room. Over 200 people attended the Awards Dinner and each person dressed to impress and happily chatted as the warmth and excitement grew about the room.
Before that, finalists were given some extra special treatment beginning at 3:30 as they received a spa service from State of Mind Salon and Day Spa in Crown Point. Pattie Kobe, owner of the spa, was at the ceremony and she had graciously given each of the attendiees a certificate so that everyone could get in on this luxurious experience.
ROSE stands for Recognition of Service Excellence. The award is give to individuals who demonstrate above and beyond performance in the hospitality industry. One dozen people are honored each year with these awards. Recipients are non-managerial or hourly employees who were nominated by their peers, supervisors, or customers that adore them. Nearly 100 people were nominated and from those 35 finalists were chosen. Out of the 35, twelve were chosen to receive the "dozen roses".
Speros A. Batistatos, president and CEO of the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, was the MC for the evening and he was very pleased and proud to be part of such a meaningful experience.
“Unlike other ROSE Awards that you may see in the area, this is all about the front-line employee. The hourly employee who is in the trenches, dealing with the guests and nominated by the guests and recognized by their service. And in our industry that’s what it’s all about,” Batistatos said. “This is the night where we put the focus on these people who make a difference in our industry. They have to do a great job every day and we want to make sure that they know how important that is to us. So we’re thrilled to be here! This is a great night.”
Batistatos went on to say that an anonymous group of hospitality professionals narrow down the nominees to the winners and neither he nor anyone on his staff is involved as to stay as fair and unbiased as possible.
Mark Newman, executive director for the Indiana Office of Tourism Development, took turns with Batistatos in announcing the twelve ROSE Award winners.
“I love doing this. I get to do this type of thing all across our state. To be able to have the opportunity to honor folks who really are the engine of our tourism economy is so important,” Newman said. “I think that what an event like this does is it’s an illustration of the great value that service providers bring to any business.”
The 2013 ROSE Award Winners:
- Kimberly Uzelac -54 Main Bistro, Hobart, IN
- Gina Desadier –Ameristar Casino, East Chicago, IN
- Rebecca Jones –Cabela’s, Hammond, IN
- Lillian Soto –Comfort Inn, Porter, IN
- Linda Fiorenzo –Hampton Inn, Merrillville, IN
- Ray Matheny –Hilton Garden Inn, Chesterton, IN
- Dawn Gomez –Horseshoe Casino, Hammond, IN
- Latoya Stubbs –Horseshoe Casino, Hammond, IN
- Trent Pendley –Martin Binder Jewelry, Valparaiso, IN
- Matthew Baker –Radisson Hotel, Merrillville, IN
- Margaret Ulloa –Teibel’s Family Restaurant Schererville, IN
- Jill Albright –The Free Enterprise System, Lansing, IL
“When I found out I was nominated, I was very excited. I had tears in my eyes,” Linda Fiorenzo said recalling the moment she found out that she was a ROSE Award finalist. “I just love meeting and talking to people. When they walk in, they’re immediately family to me. I think doing that little bit extra is very important and I’m so grateful to be here tonight.”
“This is very special. It’s an honor to be recognized.” Trent Pendley said. “My family is here and some of my best friends are here. Some friends nominated me. They hear my stories about things that I do in the community and every time I come off of the train from Chicago they know that I’ve met someone and that I’ve been promoting Northwest Indiana.”
As each name was announced, the reaction was delighted applause, hugs and high fives from friends, family and colleagues as winners stood to collect their hard-earned award. Very deserving people were recognized that evening, and what better way than to say thank you than with this wonderful ceremony? Though the employees who received the awards were very thankful to be recognized, we are all even more thankful to know that there are people like them out there making lasting positive impressions on all that they meet.
Click here to find out more about the ROSE Awards.
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Written by Caitlin Vanlaningham
Sponsors for the event:
- Lakeshore Public Media
- Majestic Star Casino and Hotel
- Cabela's
- State of Mind Salon and Day Spa
- The Center for Visual and Performing Arts
