Hospitality industry names WAVE winners

Hospitality industry names WAVE winners

Lindsay Jarvis. Courtesy AHC+Hospitality

The winners of annual awards in the Kent County hospitality industry have been announced.

Experience Grand Rapids, the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association and Kent County Hospitality Association named the winners of the 12th-Annual WAVE Awards, which recognizes the local industry’s “outstanding service providers.”

WAVE stands for “way above visitor expectations.”

A judging panel evaluated the nominees on a set of criteria, including the individual’s attitude, attentiveness, performance, knowledge and consistency.

Certified Tourism Ambassadors were also recognized for their “commitment to improving the customer experience.” The CTA program educates individuals on Grand Rapids and the importance of exceptional customer service to the area.

The six hospitality winners will also be nominated in their categories for the Stars of the Industry Awards, which will be announced at the 2020 Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference.

The event is an industry gathering of tourism and lodging leaders hosted by Travel Michigan and the Michigan Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus.

WAVE Award winners

Restaurants & Breweries: Corey Bush, Kitchen 67

Lodging 150+ Rooms: Lindsay Jarvis, Hyatt Place Grand Rapids/Downtown

Lodging Less Than 150 Rooms: Peggy Clocklin, Holiday Inn Express Grand Rapids North

Retail & Service: Madison Martinez, Grand Rapids Downtown Market

Attractions & Events: Erica Crebb, 20 Monroe Live

The Nina Fox Volunteer in Hospitality Award: Landon Bartley, city of Grand Rapids

CTA Stars of the Year: Karen Bezemek and Bernadene Francis