For Immediate Release

2018 Tourism Kamloops BOLD Hospitality Awards Nominees Announced

January 18, 2018 –  Another tremendous response for hospitality excellence in Kamloops!  49 nominations highlighting 31 unique nominees were received by closing time on December 31, 2017 for the 2nd Annual Tourism Kamloops BOLD Hospitality Awards.  
 
Nominations were submitted for 6 awards categories:

  • Accommodation “foh” of the Year – Front of House
  • Accommodation “boh” of the Year – Back of House
  • Food & Beverage “foh” of the Year – Front of House
  • Food & Beverage “boh” of the Year – Back of House
  • Tourism Attractions Leader of the Year
  • Tourism Services Leader of the Year 

A nominations committee of 4 hospitality leaders will review and score the nominations to narrow to 3 finalists which will lead to determining a final winner in each category.

“The submissions and comments received from nominators are sincere and heartfelt and reflect the exact essence these awards represent.  It is a great honour to recognize our hospitality champions and we are excited to celebrate with each and every one.  We are thrilled to see the strong ongoing support from nominators in our second year,” says Beverley DeSantis, CEO Tourism Kamloops.

Tourism Kamloops has once again teamed up with the Kamloops Blazers to host a super fun, home-grown awards program. A must-attend event for all hospitality businesses - nominees, finalists and winners will be recognized at a casual awards reception at the Valley First Lounge at Sandman Centre followed by a hometown Blazers game Wednesday, February 28th, 2018.  

Tickets are on sale now for the event at www.tourismkamloops.com/rsvp/

Here is the full list of this year’s nominations:

Nominations for Accommodations “foh” of the Year – Front of House

  1. Alex Hungar – Front Office Manager, Sandman Signature Kamloops Hotel
  2. Mackenzie Eccelstone – Guest Services Manager, Sandman Signature Kamloops Hotel
  3. Lisa Gerrie – Guest Services Agent, DoubleTree by Hilton Kamloops
  4. Debra Patriquin – Front Desk Agent, South Thompson Inn & Conference Centre
  5. Joan Rannie – Front Desk Manager, Ramada Kamloops
  6. Paul Kernot – Marketing & Receptions Manager, Grandview Motel

  Nominations for Accommodations “boh” of the Year – Back of House

  1. Pamela Stella – Quality Assurance Coordinator, Sandman Signature Kamloops Hotel
  2. Paula Jones – Head Housekeeper, Best Western Plus – Kamloops Hotel
  3. Laxman Rijal – Housekeeper, Grandview Motel

 Nominations for Food & Beverage “foh” of the Year – Front of House

  1. Maeghan Summers – Tasting Room Manager, Monte Creek Ranch Winery
  2. Debbie Morgan – Server, Denny’s Restaurant
  3. Tamara Francis – Food & Beverage Supervisor, Cascades Casino
  4. Correen Genshorek – Food & Beverage Sales Coordinator, Cascades Casino
  5. Elie Toni Hanna – Owner/Operator, Frenchies Poutinerie

 Nominations for Food & Beverage “boh” of the Year – Back of House

  1. Mitch Shafer – Executive Chef, blue Dining + Lounge @ Hotel 540
  2. Kyle Fegusen – Cook 2, Cascades Casino
  3. Lucas Roberts – Junior Sous Chef, Atlas Steak + Fish @ Cascades Casino
  4. Deejay Parkin – Owner/Operator, Bold Pizzeria
  5. Surjit Ghag – Breakfast Line Cook, Ramada Kamloops

 Nominations for Tourism Attractions Leader of the Year

  1. Marc Brzustowski – Tasting Room Supervisor, Monte Creek Ranch Winery
  2. Duncan Olthius – Manager, Kamloops Sports Council
  3. Rick Wanless – Founder, Kamloops Mounted Patrol
  4. Ron Popove – Organizer, Hot Nite In The City
  5. Jordan Popadynetz – Train Manager, Kamloops Heritage Railway
  6. Sabrina Thomas – Cultural Educator, Secwepemc Museum & Heritage Park

 Nominations for Tourism Services Leader of the Year

  1. Russ Grycan – Volunteer, Rocky Mountaineer
  2. Matt Macintosh – Curator, Kamloops Museum & Archives
  3. Maatje Stamp-Vincent – Owner/Operator, Tastefull Excursions
  4. Stacey Ceron – VP Sales & Operations, Canada West Coachlines
  5. Steve Ceron – Director of Sales, Ramada Kamloops
  6. Terri Axani – Owner/Operator, DiVine Tours

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Media Contacts:
Monica Dickinson, Director – Industry Relations & Communications
Tourism Kamloops
P: 250.372.8000
C: 250.819.0151
E: monica@tourismkamloops.com