Two Traverse City hotel employees claimed top awards this month from the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) for being industry leaders.

As part of its annual “Stars of the Industry” awards, MRLA recognized Scott Firman of Grand Traverse Resort and Spa and Frank Silsbee of Sleep Inn & Suites for their impact on the hospitality industry. Firman was awarded with the "North Star: Employee of the Year" award, which is given to an “unsung industry hero.” Firman is the director of rooms administration at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Firman started with the resort as an intern 14 years ago and has since filled a wide variety of positions at the resort.

“Scott leads by example, not from behind a desk,” says Grand Traverse Resort and Spa General Manager Matthew Bryant. “Scott is at the helm of making sure the resort operations run smoothly and successfully for not only our guests, but also the employees.” 

Silsbee was given the "Guest Relations Hotel Star of the Year" award, which goes to the primary guest greeter that works to create goodwill with customers. Silsbee was praised for stepping up during the peak of the pandemic when Sleep Inn & Suites in Traverse City hosted both first responders and some homeless people when a shelter was temporarily shut down.

“He was welcoming everyone through a mask-covered smile,” says Jonathan Pack, director of operations for Superior Hospitality. “Frank was there every step of the way. But being a good guest service guy, he was sharing information to support and protect guests and our team.”

The MRLA represents over 5,000 Michigan food service and lodging businesses.