The South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority honored Northwest Indiana’s hospitality heroes Sept. 25, at its annual R.O.S.E./R.I.S.E. event.
The R.O.S.E. (Recognition of Service Excellence) Awards celebrate exceptional front-line employees. The R.I.S.E. (Recognition of Industry Success & Excellence) Awards recognize managerial staff or past R.O.S.E. recipients. This year, the SSCVA received over 80 nominations.
Nominees are individuals who go above and beyond, leaving lasting impressions on their guests. From those nominations, 40 finalists were selected. They were treated to an afternoon at either Public Bar and Rec in Crown Point or Vanis Salon & Day Spa in Schererville, with transportation provided by Epic Limo of Valparaiso.
During the evening, finalists gathered at Horseshoe Casino Hammond for the awards dinner, where 15 winners were announced. Each honoree received a glass-encased rose and a prize package.
“Through the years, we’ve recognized 213 R.O.S.E. and 36 R.I.S.E. award winners, and we’re proud to welcome this year’s 15 honorees to that distinguished group,” said Phil Taillon, SSCVA president/CEO, in a press release. “The spirit of hospitality is about more than service—it’s about caring for people and making them feel at home. Each of our finalists and winners represent that spirit, and we are proud to recognize their lasting impact on our community and our visitors.”
This year’s R.O.S.E. winners include:
- Shannon Barajas, ESPN Bet restaurant server, Ameristar Casino, East Chicago
- Linda Bolduc, front desk attendant, Country Inn & Suites, Portage
- Sherry Cimino, server/bartender, SouthShore Drift Company at Hilton Garden Inn, Chesterton
- Jacquelyn Contreras, floral manager, Strack & Van Til, Highland
- Jack Craig, support staff, The Barker Mansion, Michigan City
- Janis Frysztak, front desk agent, Candlewood Suites, Merrillville
- Craig Golbesky, events coordinator, The Barker Mansion, Michigan City
- Dana Lescoe, veteran engagement manager, INvets, Northwest Region
- Sheila Piro, assistant manager / cake decorator, Strack & Van Til, Highland
- Shelly Reimer, floral manager, Strack & Van Til, Crown Point
- PJ Roney, guest services agent, Beachwalk Vacation Rentals, Michigan City
- Stephanie Vance, manager, Epic Limo, Valparaiso
This year’s R.I.S.E. winners include:
- Cynthia Morgan, banquet captain, Hilton Garden Inn, Chesterton
- Anna Sallay, assistant manager, Jimmy John's, Crown Point
- Nicholas Walker, general manager, ChicagoLand Popcorn, Merrillville
Nominations for 2026 R.O.S.E. and R.I.S.E. awards are now open.
