Hospitality Champions Recognized at 2024 Tuscaloosa Tourism Bash
The fourth annual Tuscaloosa Tourism Bash, presented by Coca-Cola Bottling Company Tuscaloosa, recognized a new group of Hospitality Champions, named the inaugural Tuscaloosa Chef of the Year, and also featured special recognition of the Tuscaloosa police and fire departments.
On Monday, November 4, Visit Tuscaloosa hosted the 2024 Tuscaloosa Tourism Bash, at The Sanctuary on 25th. The event is held to celebrate the hospitality and tourism industry and is an opportunity to recognize exceptional hospitality partners. President and CEO Kelsey Rush, along with the Visit Tuscaloosa team, honored seven individuals as Tuscaloosa County Hospitality Champions of the Year award recipients. The five award categories were: Hotel General Manager of the Year, Restaurant General Manager of the Year, Hotel Sales Professional of the Year, the Archibald-Williams Hospitality Trailblazers and the first ever Chef of the Year.
The Hotel General Manager of the Year, Aireal Smith, works for Hampton Inn Tuscaloosa – University. This award recognizes a hotel owner or general manager who shows exemplary customer and community service, is excellent in employee relations and motivates their team to pursue greatness.
Smith ascended to the role of general manager after joining the hotel in a part-time position and advancing through various roles during her tenure. Maximizing her opportunities for growth and development positioned her to lead by example and nominators credited her for building and maintaining an exceptional team.
The video announcing Smith’s selection, which was shown at the event, can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/Wm6RdLByAYQ.
The Restaurant General Manager of the Year, Karlo Guzman, leads Heat Pizza Bar. This award recognizes a restaurant owner or general manager who shows exemplary customer and community service, is excellent in employee relations and motivates a team to pursue greatness.
Guzman was described by nominators as being made for the industry, demonstrating an unwavering work ethic and natural instincts for customer service. He said he was humbled by the assessment, stating the recognition validates his belief he belongs in hospitality simply because he loves taking care of people.
The video announcing Guzman’s selection can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/jk6ATeSg2Vc.
The Hotel Sales Professional of the Year, Ciara Daniel, represents The Alamite. Designed to recognize an individual who promotes and demonstrates excellence in the field of sales in hotels, this honoree goes above and beyond to build customer relationships, is creative in developing new business, and is a team player that motivates their team to excel.
Daniel is credited for implementing innovative strategies to elevate the hotel’s presence in the community, such as establishing partnerships with local cultural and economic activities. Nominators also highlighted a steadfast commitment to integrity that has endeared her to clients and colleagues alike.
The video announcing Letourneau’s selection can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/lMXQbSbwHP0.
The inaugural Chef of the Year award went to Phillip Huver of River Restaurant. Huver became the head chef at River two years ago after a career in food service that saw him work as a server, dishwasher and cook at River before leaving to gain experience at other restaurants. Along with providing crucial leadership, he is credited with managing relationships with local farms, bakeries and other partners to offer a menu that is locally and regionally sourced.
The video announcing Huver’s selection can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/Wkm0iqu7OQw.
The final honorees at the Tourism Bash received the Archibald-Williams Hospitality Trailblazers Award. These individuals support the community’s hospitality industry and are in a non-managerial position at a hotel, restaurant, event space, attraction, or an educational institution. They put care into action and personify the heart of hospitality.
The first recipient, Luzonia Curley, has spent almost 20 years on the team at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tuscaloosa – University. Serving as the property’s breakfast attendant, Curley is known for working seven days a week and rarely taking vacations. Many regular guests have come to know her well and the strong satisfaction scores she receives align with glowing individual testimonies.
The video announcing Curley’s selection can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/2AGoDhpm1rs.
Katherine Bryant, dual assistant general manager and executive housekeeper at Homewood Suites, received the second trailblazer award. Along with her on-property duties, she contributes through employee training at multiple locations. With almost three decades of industry experience, Bryant credits her success and longevity to finding great satisfaction in making people feel loved.
The video announcing Bryant’s selection can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/B7ZRrvbRB1I.
Ken Washington was the evening’s final trailblazer honoree. As the Food and Beverage Morning Lead at the University Club of Alabama, Washington has developed strong relationships with club members and is known for the welcoming tours he gives to prospective members. He also works as a bartender at Courtyard by Marriott Northport. Nominators also credited him for contributing beyond his job duties and regularly volunteering with civic initiatives.
The video announcing Washington’s selection can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/DP7vhUluOqc.
Tuscaloosa Tourism Bash was capped with a special presentation to the Tuscaloosa Police Department and Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue. In her remarks, Rush acknowledged the role first responders from across the entire county play in the day-to-day experience in Tuscaloosa County, along with the demanding and vital role they play in the special events that drive tourism.
“This year’s Hospitality Champions are a special group who have all gone beyond the call of duty to create excellent experiences,” said Kelsey Rush, president and CEO of Visit Tuscaloosa. “Following that theme, it was particularly meaningful to welcome and recognize our local first responders. It is because of the contributions of these individuals and their colleagues that Tuscaloosa County provides a safe, welcoming and memorable experience to visitors and residents.”
Visit Tuscaloosa would like to express gratitude to several sponsors who helped make Tuscaloosa Tourism Bash a success. Coca-Cola Bottling Company Tuscaloosa was the presenting sponsor. Posh Occasions by Sheriah contributed as the Food and Beverage Sponsor. The Sanctuary on 25th served as the host venue.
Pictured left to right: Restaurant General Manager of the Year, Karlo Guzman from Heat Pizza, Chef of the Year, Phillip Huver representing River, Trailblazer of the Year, Katherine Bryant with Homewood Suites, Trailblazer of the Year, Luzonia Curley with Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tuscaloosa – University, Hotel Sales Professional of the Year, Ciara Daniel representing The Alamite, Trailblazer of the Year, Ken Washington from University Club, and Hotel General Manager of the Year, Aireal Smith representing Hampton Inn Tuscaloosa – University
As Tuscaloosa’s destination organization, Visit Tuscaloosa’s vision is to excel in illustrating the Tuscaloosa area as the South’s premier college town, celebrated for its storied legacy and hospitality. The organization is a community asset that stimulates economic growth and fosters resident pride through tourism and promotion efforts that inspire people to visit Tuscaloosa County. Visit Tuscaloosa’s efforts generate revenue for the community and consistently enhance the area’s public image as a dynamic place to live, work, play and visit.