Indiana Dunes Tourism and Visit Michigan City LaPorte celebrated National Tourism Week May 8 by recognizing business and community leaders during the annual ROSE awards luncheon.
The event took place at Sand Creek Country Club, 1001 Sand Creek Drive, Chesterton. Paul Labovitz, Indiana Dunes National Park superintendent gave the keynote address.
The ROSE or Recognition of Service Excellence awards recognizes individuals and organizations that help build the area’s brand reputation by providing a high standard of care and customer service. Porter and LaPorte counties honor a variety of people making a difference in the hospitality industry with awards including Legislator of the Year, Hospitality Professional of the Year, Attraction of the Year and others.
“Tourism is part of the hospitality industry, and the hospitality industry is all about people and providing a friendly and warm reception to people who come to our hotels, restaurants, attractions, events, shops and parks,” said Lorelei Weimer, executive director of Indiana Dunes Tourism. “Providing quality customer service is the cornerstone of what we do.”
The ROSE awards ceremony coincides each year with National Travel and Tourism Week.
Indiana Dunes Tourism award winners included:
- Volunteer of the Year—Elaine Shumway
- Unsung Heroes—Tom Dermody
- Shining Star—Amanda Cavanaugh, Amy Miller Hill, Tiffany Bozovich, Bob Jones
- Hospitality Professional of the Year—Marie Laudeman
- Professional of the Year—Kevin Pazour
- Putting Porter County on the Map—National Park Service
- Conservation Award—Jim Whitenack
- Festival of the Year—Bacon Fest—Portage Parks and Rec
- Attraction of the Year—Artsmith Studio
- Recreation of the Year—Brassie Golf Club
- President’s Choice Award—Furin Japanese Restaurant & Bar
- Newcomer of the Year—Valparaiso Inn Bed & Breakfast
- Restaurant of the Year—Musashi Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar
- Restaurant of the Year—Ivy’s Bohemia House
- Restaurant of the Year—Industrial Revolution Eatery & Grille
- Retailer of the Year—Schoolhouse Shop & Antiques
- Retailer of the Year—House of Berggren
- Hotel of the Year—Fairfield Inn & Suites
- Hotel of the Year—Best Western Indian Oak
- Legislator of the Year—Congressman Pete Visclosky
- Unity Award—National Parks Conservation Association
- Community Improvement Award—Lakeshore Camp Resort
- Community Improvement Award—Anderson’s Winery
- Community Improvement Award—Spring House Inn
- State Hoosier Hospitality Nominee—Yolanda Carmin
- Partner of the Year—FLUID Coffeebar
Visit Michigan City LaPorte award winners included:
- Volunteer of the Year—Todd Walsworth from The Bike Stop
- Unsung Heroes—Drew Becker
- Unsung Heroes—Indiana State Senator Michael Bohacek
- Shining Star—Tom Root, Christian Kossner, Carolyn Pahs,
- Tracey Mashburn, Dana Chartier, Washington Park Zoo Staff
- Professional of the Year—Mary Cossey
- Professional of the Year—Dorota Janik
- Employee of the Year—Michele Sabody
- Employee of the Year—Kate Komay
- LaPorte County Achievement—Hesston Steam Museum
- Quality of Life—Courtney Mason
- Quality of Life—Nora Ryzska
- Putting LaPorte County on the Map—Friendship Botanic Gardens
- Agri-tourism LaPorte—Catherine Mrozinski
- Green Award—Krueger Middle School
- Landmark Award—Mike Mainland
- Best Festival LaPorte—Jammin with Save the Dunes
- Restaurant of the Year—Trattoria Enzo
- Accommodation of the Year—Baymont by Wyndham
- Distinguished Artists—Paul Jeselskis
