Judges, Nicole Livas and Bruce Rader. Photo by Kristi Schneider

My WAVY colleagues Bruce Rader, Stephanie Harris and Tom Schaad joined ODU Football Coach Bobby Wilder on the judging panel for most spirited large and small organization. The organizations always bribe us with food, drink and cool knick knacks that reflect their organizations. We could barely carry all of the goodies out of there! DJ B*Ryte from 103 JAMZ (Boodah Brothers Morning Show) helped engage the crowd.

Booker T. Washington High School Cheerleaders performing

Once again, Booker T. Washington’s marching band and cheerleaders got the crowd amped up! Norfolk’s one and only philanthropist, Attorney “Uncle Pete” Decker served as emcee and got lots of hugs and kisses, cheers and praise from the crowd once again.

This year, we had the added touch of fans with Uncle Pete’s beautiful face on them!

Peter Decker and Anthony DiFilippo present award to Most Spirited Large Organization, Sheraton Hotel Norfolk Waterfront

The big winners were:  Sheraton Waterside Hotel in the large organization category; and DNC (Downtown Norfolk Council) in the small organization category.

Downtown Norfolk Council, winners, Most Spirited, small organization with Peter Decker, Master of Ceremonies, far left and Anthony DiFilippo, second from left.

Here’s a look at the other winners:

Norfolk’s 2011 Champions of Hospitality

2011 Overall Winner and Favorite Driver award winner, Frank Brooks, Black and White Cabs

2011 Overall Winner & Driver: Frank Brooks with Black & White Cabs

Admissions: Ricky White with Nauticus (Guest Relations)

Assistant: Chris Russell with Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel (Sales Assistant)

Banquets: CJ Newton with Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel (Banquet Captain)

Bartender – Fine Dining: Kristen Crowley with Byrd & Baldwin

Bartender – Casual Dining:  Brynn Larsen with 219

Front Desk – Hotel: Rachelle Viar with the Norfolk Waterside Marriott

Front Desk – Restaurant: Kat Curtin with 3-Way Café

Hostess: Tierra Jones with Shula’s

Housekeeper: Shandesa Simmons with the Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown

Houseman: William Vincent with the Hilton Norfolk Airport

Kitchen: Ronald Taylor with Lake Wright Quality Suites & Sleep Inn

Maintenance: Susan Rogers with MacArthur Center (Facilities Admin Coordinator)

Military/Government: Jackie Washington with the MWR

Group picture of all of the 2011 winners

Parking Attendant: Garcia Ortiz with the City of Norfolk

Public Service Ambassador: Rudy Walker with the Downtown Norfolk Council

Receptionist: Mellina Talamantes with the Norfolk Airport Authority

Reservations: Casey Williams, Navy Gateway Inn & Suites

Retail: Ladymar McClintic with Cora’s Beauty Connection

Server: Frances Pettus with the Navy Lodge Norfolk

Tour Guide: Angela Springer with the Chrysler Museum of Art

Valet: Josh Schweitzer with the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown

Volunteer: Welland (Doc) Shoop with the Hampton Roads Naval Museum

Virginia Zoo Ambassador: Rhima

Norfolk’s favorite mascots were there.

As a proud Norfolk resident, it’s always great to participate in this event and see some longtime friends who work in the service industry and to meet new ones. We need to remember those who make our lives easier all the time, not just during  National Travel and Tourism Week so don’t forget to say thanks to that bartender, ambassador, waitress, receptionist, cab driver, housekeeper,parking attendant, bellman, assistant and others who go above and beyond to make sure we have a great experience. Thanks to all in the service industry for a job well done! Cya again next year!

Vice Mayor Anthony Burfoot with Norfolk CVB's Tony DiFilippo

**Thanks to photographer Kristi Schneider who took the best looking pictures in this blog!**

This week is National Travel and Tourism Week and those who work in the industry in Norfolk took time to celebrate today.   The Convention and Visitors Bureau and Tourism Research Foundation sponsored the Champions of Hospitality Rally at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center.   I was honored to serve as a judge once again this year along with my colleagues Bruce Rader, Tom Schaad, Eric Harryman and  Stephanie Harris and ODU Football Coach, Bobby Wilder.

“Uncle Pete” Decker served as emcee and kept us all in stitches.

We got all kinds of bribes as soon as we sat at the judges table.  Most of them would add many inches and pounds to our bodies so we shared some of the baked goods with the audience.  Others were great mementos with the city of Norfolk.

We judged the Spirit Awards and it was tough.  So many Norfolk hotels, restaurants and attractions have enthusiastic employees, it was hard to pick just one.  But in the end, the Norfolk Waterside Marriott and The Virginia Arts Festival took top honors.   Several other individual awards were given out.  Check out the list here:

2010 Norfolk National Tourism Rally Winners

Admissions:

Patricia Brady – Seay with the VA Arts Festival (Group Sales Assistant)
Employed with organization: 3 years
Their organization and clerical skills keep group sales organized and allows our Group Sales Director to spend her time selling tickets and developing new clients. This person is always courteous and patient with group leaders and works especially well with our senior groups.

Assistant:
Feleece Williams with the Hilton Norfolk Airport (Sales Administrator)
Employed with organization: 3 years
This person exemplifies exceptional hospitality towards all of our guests and potential clients. Their bright smile and positive attitude makes everyone they come into contact with feel welcome and cared for.

Banquets:

Frank Yancey with the Crowne Plaza Hotel (Banquet Captain)
Employed with organization: 6 months
He is an outstanding Banquet Captain with his ability to evaluate the situation and take charge to solve whatever problem may arise. He is capable of making each planner feel his or her event is top priority.

Bartender:

Rob Asbury with Todd Jurich Bistro (Bartender)
Employed with organization: 4 years
This person makes everyone feel welcome. I believe most of the heavy bar business at this organization  is due to the bartender’s amazing personality, talent and dedications. They are extremely personable and balances conversation with patrons while providing excellent service.

Bellman:

George Avent with the Norfolk Waterside Marriott (Bellman)
Employed with organization: 8 years

This person is a priceless ambassador to Norfolk. They treat all guests at the property as if they were family. When a guest asks a question and this person does not know the answer to it, they take the time to seek out the information for them. This person also makes it a priority to keep updated on downtown happenings. This person was also nominated twice in 2009.

Concierge:

Robert Mills of the Hilton Norfolk Airport (Concierge)
Employed with organization: 2 years

This person was voted for employee of the month after only 3 months. World travelers write letters stating they have never been treated with such elegance and excellence.  This person is the main reason they come back. They know most of the guests that visit the Concierge lounge on a first name basis. The truest professional hospitality person you will ever meet.

Custodian:

Hazel Harvie of the Norfolk Botanical Garden (Facilities Supervisor)
Employed with organization: 2.5 years

This person is the glue that holds the custodial staff together. The job is challenging in the summer and spring months when visitation to the attraction peaks. This person always finds a way to motivate the staff.

Driver:

Natalie Lassiter with HRT  (NET Driver)
Employed with organization: HRT Since 1988. Driver for 2 years.

This person has much needed people skills to deal with the public and is very dependable, truth worthy and friendly person. They always goes the extra mile to assist passengers on where to get off.

Front Desk:

Yolette Friend with Navy Gateway Inns & Suites (Front Desk Leader)
Employed with organization: 2 Years
This person really stood out from the rest of the weekend of the snow storm. They came prepared to stay at the facility to work the entire weekend being a single parent to one teenage daughter. During the weekend this person ensured that the guests that could not depart were extended and provided great assistance and a wealth of information.

Hostess:

Nichele Stone with 456 Fish (Hostess)
Employed with organization: 2 years
This person is very knowledgeable and assists our guests and staff in many ways. She is a quick study and has improved the way we do things at the restaurant.

Housekeeper:

Miriam Guieb with the Residence Inn Marriott Airport (Housekeeping Supervisor)
Employed with organization: 6 years
This person walks in the door each morning with a smile on their face. I am proud of their accomplishments and growth as a supervisor.

Houseman:

Ronnie Church with the Residence Inn Downtown
Employed with organization: 1 year
This person was the go to man during the opening of the property. They worked around the clock and always kept their co-workers laughing.

Kitchen:

Shirleen Minter with D’egg (Cook)
Employed with organization: 3 years
This person comes to work everyday with a smile on their face. Their energy is contagious. She is the mom and grandma every kitchen needs.

Government:

Officer Rick James with the City of Norfolk Police Department
Employed with organization: 25 years
His customer service is unmatched. He is everything a police officer should be.

Parking Attendant:

Shandra Miller with Central Parking Division (Cashier)
Employed with organization: 1 year
We have received several phone calls of compliment on this persons unique ability to make customers smile. “I treat every customer like it is an honor to serve them”.

Public Service Ambassador:

John Kintsche with the Downtown Norfolk Council (PSA)
Employed with organization: 1 Year
This person goes out of their way to assist visitors, residents and downtown workers and always displays a smile and a positive note for everyone.

Receptionist:

Sabrina Lucky with Nauticus (Receptionist)
Employed with Organization: 5 years  – nominated in 2009
This person always answers the phone with a smile and treats the guests with utmost respect. This person is ready and willing to help any and all visitors to Nauticus with a passion that shows.

Retail:

Tamikka Doman with Rowena’s (Warehouse Manager)
Employed with Organization: 10 years
This person is the 3^rd generation of their family to work at their organization. This person always shows the guests respect and superior customer service.

Room Service & **Hospitality Associate of the Year

Sam Caban with the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel (Room Service Server)
Employed with Organization: 27 years 
This person is caring and hard working in their position. This person always has a good attitude and is willing to pitch in to assist when needed. They have a strong work ethic and produces steady results.

Valet:

Spencer Briggs with the Big Easy Bar & Grill (Valet)
Employed with Organization: 1 year
This person is a true team player. They are constantly searching for ways to improve customer service.

Volunteer:

Bob Webb with the Hampton Roads Naval Museum
Employed with Organization: May 2005
This former Walt Disney employee has donated more than 5,550 years with an average of 1,100 years. One of most charming docents, this person entertains and educates our guests with thrilling stories about the Navy’s history here in Hampton Roads. This year we are proud to announce that this person is receiving the President of the US Volunteer Lifetime Service Award.

Waiter/Waitress:

Veola Nesbith with the Courtyard by Marriott
Employed with Organization: 5 Years
This person has provided great service at breakfast for over 5 years. This person is recognized on a regular basis on our guest comment cards and guest services.

Other Winners

• Norfolk Botanical Garden Ambassadors of the Year: Eagles
• Virginia Zoo Ambassador of the Year: Kangaroo Mob
• Ambassador of the Year: F.R.E.D.

Chances are, you’ve had a wonderful experience with them and that’s why they are named the best!

With all of the cheering in room, I can’t forget to mention the presence of  many of my favorite mascots- including Riptide from the Norfolk Tides, Big Blue from Old Dominion University, the Spartan from Norfolk State University, Hat Trick from the Norfolk Admirals, Rigby the Rhino from the Virginia Zoo and a new one, CoolJack, a snowman who is Norfolk’s “Holidays in the City” mascot.  They’re all so cute and cuddly!!

And last but not least, the Booker T. Washington marching band and cheerleaders rocked the house. They sure have some good moves!

When you visit a restaurant, hotel or tourist attraction, make sure you say thanks to the workers who put in the extra effort to make your experience a good one!

Can’t wait to help out with the event again next year.  This always gets me energized and sends me to work with a great attitude and a smile on my face!