PORTER — Indiana Dunes Tourism and Visit Michigan City LaPorte honored businesses, organizations and individuals for providing outstanding service to the community and visitors on May 9.
The Recognition of Service Excellence or ROSE Awards recognize those who go the extra mile to make Porter and LaPorte Counties great places to live and visit. The program is held annually during National Travel and Tourism Week.
“Tourism is a service industry, and it would not be possible without the outstanding men, women and businesses honored here today,” said Lorelei Weimer, executive director of Indiana Dunes Tourism.
Jack Arnett, executive director of Visit Michigan City LaPorte, said, “it is always exciting to be able to recognize those individuals who go above and beyond serving our community. Today we were able to not only recognize some outstanding individuals for those efforts, but we were also able to recognize some of our front-line employees in the hospitality industry.”
Indiana Dunes Tourism ROSE Awards recipients included:
Attraction of the Year: Eagle Aircraft
Community Improvement Award: Kouts Downtown Park
Conservation Award: Westchester Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Festival of the Year: Indiana Dunes Outdoor Adventure Festival
Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year: Bartlett's Gourmet Grill and Tavern
Hospitality Professional of the Year: Debbie Garner, Expo Center
Hotel of the Year: Country Inn and Suites by Radisson, Valparaiso
Legislator of the Year: Karen Tallian; Chuck Moseley (Portage); Ed Charbonneau (Valparaiso); Mike Bohacek; and Scott Pelath (Michigan City)
Newcomer of the Year: The Port Drive-In
Partner of the Year: Country Inn and Suites by Radisson, Portage
People's Choice—Hotel of the Year: Riley's Railhouse
People's Choice—Restaurant of the Year: Industrial Revolution
Food Wars Winners: Northside Diner and Woodfire Meat Market Deli Mexican and Greek
President's Choice Award: Fuji Japanese Restaurant
Professional of the Year: Maura Durham, Duneland Chamber of Commerce
Putting Porter County on the Map: National Park Service, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
Recreation Location of the Year: Sammie L. Maletta Public Marina
Retailer of the Year: Old World Market
Shining Stars: Danielle, Spring House Inn; Ronnie, Industrial Revolution; Nathan, Industrial Revolution; Jessica, Don Quijote Restaurant
Unity Award: Nancy Moldenhauer, Green Drinks
Unity Award: Ed Kis, posthumously
Unsung Hero: Gabis Arboretum
Volunteers of the Year: Dave and Sandy Keammerer
Visit Michigan City LaPorte’s ROSE Awards recipients included:
Accommodation of the Year Award: Bridge Inn
Agri-Tourism Award: Mark’s Farm Market and Greenhouses
Best Fest Award: Taste of Michigan City
Distinguished Artist Award: Julia Holmaas
Distinguished Artist Award: Patrick Landers
Employee of the Year: Kathy Gazdick, Best Western Plus LaPorte Hotel and Conference Center
Employee of the Year: Brandon McKeenan, Bistro on the Greens
Green Award: Michigan City Area Schools
Landmark Award: Phyllis Jones, LaPorte Sunflower Fair
LaPorte County Achievement Award: Falishia Pratt, Blue Chip Casino, Hotel and Spa
Lemonade Award: LaPorte Urban Enterprise Association
Outstanding Elected Official Award: Mayor Ron Meer
Quality of Life/Quality of Place Award: LaPorte County Habitat for Humanity
NITDC Breakfast Award: Jennie Rae’s
Newcomer of the Year: Bartlett’s Fish Camp
Professional Achievement: Karen Gazdick, Best Western Plus LaPorte Hotel and Conference Ctr.
Putting LP County on the Map: Mary Ellen Hatton, Blue Chip Casino, Hotel and Spa
Putting LP County on the Map: Ric Federighi, WIMS-Radio 1420 AM
Restaurant of the Year: Bistro on the Greens
Restaurant of the Year: Sophia’s House of Pancakes
Retailer of the Year: Coachman Antique Mall
Retailer of the Year: Younique Boutique
Unsung Hero: Officer Scott Combs, Michigan City Police Department
Volunteer of the Year Award: Pat and Bruce Frankinburger, Barker Mansion
