The Iron Range Tourism Bureau (IRTB) in Eveleth announces that nominations are now being taken for the 2013 Spirit of Hospitality Awards.

Now in its second year, Spirit of Hospitality aims to recognize excellence in customer service among Iron Range workers who cater to the public, particularly visitors from out of the area.

“This event is a good way to honor Iron Rangers who make a difference in visitors’ experiences,” said Jim Makowsky, IRTB board chair and manager of Eveleth Super 8 and AmericInn of Mountain Iron. “The area has many talented, hard-working staff in our hotels, attractions and restaurants, and the Hospitality Awards are a nice way to recognize their contributions.”

Award categories include Hotel Guest Services, Hotel Housekeeping, Retail Sales, Servers, Bartender, Back-of-the-House, Food Production, Host/Hostess, Guest Relations and Hall of Fame. Descriptions of each category, along with an online nomination form, can be found at www.ironrange.org. Information about the awards, along with nomination forms, are being mailed to area businesses in May.

Nominees will be intereviewed in September and October. An awards ceremony is planned for November 3, at the Coates Plaza Hotel in Virginia. All finalists will receive two tickets to the event; additional tickets are available for $30. Guest speaker for the awards event is John Edman, director of Explore Minnesota Tourism, the state’s tourism department.

“Last year’s awards event was a great success,” said Beth Pierce, IRTB director. “All nominees are recognized, and winners in each category receive a nice trophy. It’s clear that managers and owners of hospitality businesses are proud of their staff, and it was great to see the support the nominees got from their family and coworkers.”

Last year’s winners include Best Bartender, Christine Shevich-Walters, Zimmy’s; Best Guest Services, Richard Neumann, Holiday Inn; Best Back-of-the-House, John Baldwin, Holiday Inn; Best Hostess, Carol Luckas, Arby’s; Best Food Production, Marge Skorich, Hibbing Park Hotel; Best Server, Debbi Rusch, Country Kitchen-Hibbing; Best Housekeeping, Jenna LeBlanc, Holiday Inn; Hall of Fame, Mary Hess, Aurora Mayor.

“We’re looking forward to another outstanding slate of nominees and another fun awards event,” Pierce said.

Sponsors are being sought for the event. For more informaiton about nominating and event sponsorship, contact Pierce at beth@ironrange.org or 218.749.8161.

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