http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006605110317 Pride Awards honor tourism industry May 11, 2006
By James Ramage
[email protected]
The Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau thanked and honored members of the hospitality and tourism industry Wednesday at the annual Pride Awards Luncheon, held at the Shreveport Convention Center.
The bureau honored those in the industry for their hard work and customer service, which helped boost the tourism industry over the past year. Hotels, restaurants, attractions and meeting facilities all played a role, bureau representatives said.
"Members of the local tourism industry deserve this recognition," said Stacy Brown, president of the convention and tourist bureau. "Tourism is an essential part of our economy in northwest Louisiana, and we have these individuals to thank for the growth we've seen."
This year's Pride Award winners include:
Outstanding Restaurant Manager: E. J. Boswell, Holiday Inn Bossier.
Outstanding Hotel Manager: Ray Ferland, Holiday Inn Bossier.
Outstanding Front Desk/Guest Service Professional: Denise Troutman, Holiday Inn Bossier.
Outstanding Food Server/Banquet Professional: Nat Woodard, Holiday Inn Bossier.
Outstanding Valet/Bellman/Gift Shop Professional: Javi Vega, Sam's Town Hotel & Casino Shreveport.
Outstanding Housekeeping Professional: Jimmie Coleman-Morris, Holiday Inn Bossier.
Outstanding Engineer: Ernie Kalnasy, Holiday Inn Bossier.
Outstanding Catering Professional: Pam Parker, Holiday Inn Bossier.
Outstanding Chef of the Year: Thomas Weisburn, Boomtown Casino.
Outstanding Hotel Sales Professional: JoDee Minter, Holiday Inn Financial Plaza.
Outstanding Restaurant Professional: Heather Sexton, Isle of Capri Casino Resort.
Outstanding Tour/Travel Professional: Philip DeFatta, Louisiana Boardwalk.
Outstanding Attraction Professional of the Year: Spencer Stephens, Stephens African American Museum.
Outstanding Hospitality/Tourism Educator of the Year: Deborah Reed, Woodlawn High School.
Convention Department, Distinctive Service Awards
Bill Cooksey, Louisiana Airport Managers Association.
Betty Jo LeBrun Mooring, Shreveport-Bossier Film Commission.
Carlos Boston, Jehovah Witness Louisiana Circuit II.
Rich Brontoli, Red River Valley Association.
Judy Brockwell, Louisiana Clerk of Courts.
Bill Young, BAFB Military Retiree's Golf Tournament.
Kim Ates, CABOSA.
Brandon Ortiz Sr., detective, International Association of Auto Theft Investigators.
Capt. Bobby Wilkinson, Louisiana State Fireman's Association.
Tim Dulany, Tri State Funeral Directors.
Jo Carol Martin, Zonta Club of Shreveport's Antique Show and Sale.
Plain Dealing Mayor Dale Barnette, Scenic By-Ways.
Communications Department, Excellent Communicator Awards
Eric Gipson, Sci-Port Discovery Center.
Matt Thompson, Louisiana Boardwalk.
Rick DelaHaya, Chimp Haven.
Outstanding Web site Award
R.W. Norton Art Gallery.
Shreveport-Bossier Film Office
Film Office Business Contributor Awards: Carl Rice, Marketing Department-Harrah's Louisiana Downs.
Tourism Department Distinctive Service Awards
Tourism Service Award: Bossier Tent Company.
Tourism Special Recognition Award: James Burton International Guitar Festival.
Hurricane Katrina & Rita Relief Recognition Award: Shreveport-Bossier Hotel and Lodging Association.
Outstanding Transportation Professional Award: All American Shuttle Service.
Outstanding Hospitality/Tourism Educator of the Year: Deborah Reed, Woodlawn High School.
New Attractions 2005-2006
Karpeles Manuscript Museum.
Multicultural Center of the South.
J. Bennett Johnston Red River Corps of Engineers Visitor Center.