- April 22, 2024
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Tourism H.E.R.O.E.S.: The Hospitality Employees Recognition of Excellent Service awards were presented May 10.
To coincide with National Travel and Tourism Week, the Tourist Development Council, the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce & Affiliates and the Board of County Commissioners honored four of Flagler County’s top hospitality workers May 10, at the annual H.E.R.O.E.S. awards breakfast.
Out of 25 nominees, the winners were Jenifer Thomas, night auditor at Best Western; Walter Sam, fitness instructor at Hammock Beach Resort; Betty Hudson, room attendant at Hilton Garden Inn; and Mike Tsouklaris, general manager at The Grand Club.
In Flagler County, tourism significantly affects the economy bringing in more than $1.2 million in revenue solely from the bed tax in 2011 and employing 2,500 residents, according to Amy Lukasik, tourism marketing manager.
Betty Hudson
Hudson is a room attendant at the Hilton Garden Inn and was nominated by her supervisor, Fernando Lago, and General Manager Tom Grimes.
“Betty Hudson’s passion for the hospitality industry and pleasant disposition extends to her work and genuine care for guests,” they wrote in the nomination. “While exercising her daily tasks as a room attendant, Betty has received praise and numerous compliments from hotel guests whom she has touched and impacted.”
For Hudson, it’s all about giving the guests whatever they need, which includes candy and cards during the holidays.
“I am so surprised. It means the world to me that somebody thought enough of me to give me this award,” Hudson said. “I will never forget it. The Hilton is the best hotel to work for. They are great people, and they are all my friends.”
Jenifer Thomas
Thomas is the night auditor at the Best Western and was nominated by her supervisor, Malinda Buchanan, and General Manager Ryan Crabb.
“Dependability is Jenifer’s best trait,” they wrote in the nomination. “Finding a dependable person to work the night shift is always challenging. With Jenifer, we never have to worry about her not showing up or doing things incorrectly.”
One specific example when Thomas went above and beyond was when a particular guest checked in late and was worried about the security of the hotel. Being the only staff person there, after the guest checked into her room, Thomas called to make sure the room was satisfactory and also paid a visit to the guest’s room to ensure she felt safe. The next morning when the guest checked out, she was raving about how Thomas went out of her way to make her stay an enjoyable one.
Michael Tsouklaris
A popular instructor, Tsouklaris is also the general manager at The Grand Club and was nominated by his supervisor, Henry Angle, and CFO Brian Malanson.
“Michael is a strong team leader and always respects the staff as people first before making business decisions,” they wrote in the nomination. “Michael is the first one to respond, troubleshoot, recommend and resolve any issue that arises.”
With the course under new ownership, Tsouklaris took on the challenge of general manager for both golf courses, including two separate restaurants, where there were formerly two general managers.
Walter Sam
Walter Sam is a fitness instructor at Hammock Beach Resort and was nominated by his supervisor, Thor Holm, and General Manager Carlton Grant, based on client testimonials.
“Everyone is sure he has eyes in the back of his head,” said client Cathy Fitzgerald. “His classes are not about him, but about everyone in the room. His eyes search for new people and hotel guests or for those who have been gone for a while and somehow keeps their needs in mind and checks with everyone to see if they understand the activity and to double check and make sure no one is doing something that might cause injury. He is truly a pied piper of fitness.”
THE NOMINEES
Suzanne Akley – Microtel Inn & Suites
Meghan Bowers – Hammock Beach
Alberta Cargill – Hammock Beach
Latisha Carter – Hammock Beach
Martins Cirilo – Hammock Beach
Daivys Crispino – Hammock Beach
Anthony Downing – Flagler Fish Co.
Jason Farrell – Hammock Beach
Susan Gaither – Hampton Inn
Alana Grover – Hammock Beach
Jeri Harper – Palm Harbor Golf Club
Betty Hudson – Hilton Garden Inn
Idella Kell – Holiday Inn Express
Mike Lucas – Hammock Beach
Curtis Moden – Hammock Beach
Tracy Pittard – Hammock Beach
Walter Sam – Hammock Beach
Linda Schaefer – Hammock Beach
Miguel Sosa – Hammock Beach
Jenifer Thomas – Best Western
Michael Tsouklaris – The Grand Club
Jennifer Wharton – Hammock Beach
Mark Woods – Golden Lion
