Ten local hospitality workers were honored with the first "Hospitality High Five Awards" presented today by Traverse City Tourism. The awards are designed to recognize individuals who help make the region one of the premier travel destinations in the Midwest.
 
“Traverse City would never be as successful without the warmth and genuine welcoming from thousands of professionals that work in hospitality,” Traverse City Tourism President and CEO Trevor Tkach said in a statement. “Every single award winner goes above expectations to create a positive experience. They foster an atmosphere that beckons people to return again and again.”
 
Over 80 nominations were received for the ten awards. The award categories include customer-facing roles, those who work behind the scenes, industry newcomers, seasonal workers, and management positions. A panel of local hospitality experts narrowed the nominees to the final winners. 
 
Those receiving the awards were:

Front of House (Lodging) – Stephanie Gray – Crystal Mountain
Front of House (All Venues) – Rachel Payne – Shorts Brewing
Back of House (Lodging) – Aurora Bernal – Sleep Inn & Suites/Brio Beach Inn
Back of House (All Venues) – Maria Leggett – Broomstack Kitchen & Taphouse
Seasonal – Jayson Spaulding – Crystal Mountain
Rookie of the Year – Lilyona Macguire – Tru by Hilton
Sales/Marketing/Finance – Kristin Toedebusch – Superior Hospitality
Festival & Events – Kat Paye – The Festival Foundation (National Cherry Festival)
Hospitality All Star – Kimberly Zacharias – Black Star Farms
Leadership – Michaelene V’Soske – Grand Traverse Resort & Spa