Indiana Dunes Tourism honored several local businesses, organizations and individuals who provide outstanding service to the community or visitors.
The R.O.S.E. (Recognition of Service Excellence) Awards recognize those who go above and beyond to make our communities a great place to live or visit.
“We were able to honor a variety of people and businesses today who contribute to making our communities better for both visitors and residents,” said Lorelei Weimer, executive director of Indiana Dunes Tourism.
“Because of the excellent service provided by these individuals or organizations, Porter County and it’s tourism industry can showcase what it means to be truly hospitable. It’s our pleasure to recognize these award winners and their hard work.”
The R.O.S.E. Awards ceremony coincides each year with National Travel and Tourism Week.
What follows is a list of this year’s Porter County R.O.S.E. Award winners:
Attraction of the Year – Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year – Barada Kabob
Community Improvement Award – City of Valparaiso
Conservation Award – Kristina Knowski
Festival of the Year – Chesterton Art Fair
Hospitality Professional of the Year – Vinny Mathen of Country Inn and Suites, Valparaiso
Hotel of the Year – Country Inn and Suites, Portage
Legislator of the Year – Congressman Peter Visclosky
Newcomer of the Year – Fluid Coffeebar
Partner of the Year – Chesterton Feed and Garden
People’s Choice Hotel of the Year – Songbird Prairie Inn and Spa
People’s Choice Restaurant of the Year — Industrial Revolution
President’s Choice Award – Main + Lincoln
Professional of the Year – Ron and Kim VanSessen of Inspiration Wood Cottage Inn and Conference Center
Putting Porter County on the Map – Indiana Grown
Recreation Location of the Year – Kankakee Sands Prairie Restoration
Retailer of the Year – Lifestyles
Shining Star – Brad Sorrells, Don Quijote Restaurant
Shining Star – Nathan Allen, Industrial Revolution
Unity Award – Northwest Indiana Paddling Association
Unsung Hero – Opportunity Enterprises cleaning team
Volunteer of the Year – Maureen Stombaugh
The LaPorte Convention and Visitors Bureau was a co-host of Thursday’s awards ceremony and presented their R.O.S.E. Awards. What follows is a list of their winners:
Agri-tourism Award – Burek Farms
Best Fest Award – Wanatah Scarecrow Festival
Distinguished Artist – Niel Kienitz
Distinguished Artist – Paul Kemiel
Distinguished Artist – Sierra Millican
Employee of the year – Carrie Griffin and Cathy Horning from Blue Chip Casino
Green Award – Fiddlehead Restaurant
Landmark Award – LaPorte County Historical Society
LaPorte County Achievement Award – Jamie Huss, director of Michigan City Zoo
Legislator of the Year – Wes Culver
Lemonade Award – New Life ConnectPoint Church
Newcomer of the Year – Bourbon Street Bistro
Putting LaPorte County on the Map – Nancy Addie
Putting LaPorte County on the Map – Hoosier Coho Club of Indiana
Putting LaPorte County on the Map –Artspace in Michigan City
Hotel of the Year – Country Inn and Suites Michigan City, Quality Inn Michigan City
Retailer of the Year – Harley Davidson Shop of Michigan City
Restaurant of the Year – Carlson’s Drive-In
Quality of Life/Quality of Place Award – Bert Cook
Quality of Life/Quality of Place Award – Clarence Hulse
Shining Star Award – Jessica Rosier from Barker Mansion
Team Effort Award – Fiddlehead Restaurant
Unsung Hero Award – Brian Sadowski
Unsung Hero Award – Michigan City Park Department Lifeguards
Professional of the Year – James Eldridge
Volunteer of the Year Award – Mike Riehle
