Indiana Dunes Tourism and Visit Michigan City LaPorte Co-Host 19th Annual R.O.S.E. Awards Luncheon

 Indiana Dunes Tourism and Visit Michigan City LaPorte celebrated National Tourism Week at this year’s R.O.S.E. Awards Luncheon. The event took place on May 8, at Sand Creek Country Club, 1001 Sand Creek Dr., Chesterton. Paul Labovitz, Indiana Dunes National Park Superintendent, was the keynote speaker at the event.

R.O.S.E. stands for Recognition of Service Excellence. The annual luncheon recognized 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 like Legislator of the Year, Hospitality Professional of the Year, Attraction of the Year, and others.

Lorelei Weimer, executive director of Indiana Dunes Tourism, said, “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. Providing quality customer service is the cornerstone of what we do. Our organizations look forward to this luncheon every year because we get to recognize all the individuals and businesses who continue to provide outstanding Hoosier hospitality on a day to day basis.”

The R.O.S.E. Awards ceremony coincides each year with National Travel and Tourism Week.

Indiana Dunes Tourism was a co-host of Wednesday’s awards ceremony and presented their R.O.S.E. Awards to the following winners:

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 presented their R.O.S.E. Awards to the following winners:

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

Indiana Dunes Tourism is the official destination marketing, planning and development organization for the Indiana Dunes area (Porter County). For more information about Indiana Dunes Tourism visit www.indianadunes.com.

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