ELITE Award Winner Visit Spokane's Board of Directors is proud to announce the 2012 Extraordinary Leadership in Tourism Excellence (ELITE) Award winners. Walt and Karen Worthy, owners of the Davenport Collection.

BUSINESS AWARDS: These awards recognize businesses and events that differentiate themselves by providing exceptional service, anticipating their customer's needs and consistently exceeding visitors' expectations.

Exceptional Festival or Event - Recognizes a festival or event that attracts visitors as well as locals, generates regional and/or national media attention and positively promotes the Inland Northwest.

• The Farm Chicks
• First Night Spokane
• US Olympic Women's Boxing Team Trials

Best Attraction - Recognizes a regional attraction (including museums, performing arts, parks, amusement parks, ski resorts, etc) which attracts visitors and contributes to an outstanding tourism experience.

• Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre
• Riverfront Park
• Route of the Hiawatha

Spirit of the Inland Northwest - Recognizes an outstanding tourism or hospitality related business or organization that provides excellent service, exemplifies innovation and causes our region to shine.

• Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel
• Framework Meetings and Destinations
• Spokane Airways Flight Center

Rockin' Retailer - Recognizes a retailer that provides an outstanding shopping experience for locals our visitor.

• A Finer Moment
• Finders Keepers
• The North Face

Extraordinary Everyday Eatery - Recognizes a restaurant offering a casual dining or quick service atmosphere that provides an outstanding experience for visitors.

• Apple Spice Junction
• Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches
• True Legends Grill

Top Table - Recognizes an upscale, full service restaurant that provides an outstanding dining experience for visitors.

• Masselow's Restaurant
• Santé Restaurant and Charcuterie
• Wild Sage American Bistro
  

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS: These awards recognize hospitality and frontline individuals who consistently deliver warm, friendly and helpful service, exceed visitors' expectations, anticipate the customer's needs and have received written or verbal feedback about their exceptional service from their colleagues, supervisors or their customers.

The White Glove Award - Recognizes exceptional service from an individual hotel housekeeping staff member.

• JC Clay, Quality Inn Valley Suites
• Aissata Marr, Mirabeau Park Hotel & Convention Center
• Andrea Welty, Red Lion Hotel at the Park
  

• Mary Cochran, Hampton Inn Spokane
• Jan Rooney, MAX at Mirabeau
• Jennifer Westby, Ripples Riverside Grill

Superior Service Award - Recognizes excellent customer service by an individual who has first contact with the public. Front desk personnel, concierges and all other guest service employees qualify.

• Mike Durfee, WestCoast Entertainment
• Kimberly Nagele, Red Lion Hotel at the Park
• Justine Wetherholt, Northern Quest Resort & Casino

Savvy Retail Sales Associate - Recognizes excellent customer service from a retail sales associate who has first contact with the public

• April Arredondo, Nordstrom
• Dianna Blaska, Davenport Home
• Shelby Enevold, Arbor Crest Wine Cellars

Best Impression Meeting Sales and Services - Recognizes excellent customer service from an individual working in a hotel, meeting venue or business that serves the meeting and convention industry.

• Melissa Boland, Northern Quest Resort & Casino
• Wendi Haught, Framework Meetings and Destinations
• Kelsey Soukup, Spokane Public Facilities District

On the Move - Recognizes excellent customer service by an individual who is responsible for the transportation of the public including shuttle, cab, limo and other drivers.

• Barry Coe, Northwestern Stage Lines
• Amanda Hartin, Holiday Inn Express Downtown
• Andrew Palm, A-Star Limousine

Heart of the House - Honors an outstanding individual who works behind the scenes to keep their institution, organization or business operating smoothly, creating a superior experience for the public.

• David English, Comfort Inn University District/Downtown
• Jeremy Triplett, Quality Inn Valley Suites
• Randy Triplett, Red Lion Hotel at the Park

Rising Star - Recognizes an up and coming leader for their exceptional efforts to serve and enhance the experience of the public. Those individuals who have been in the tourism industry for 5 years or less qualify.

• Justin Kent, Quality Inn Valley Suites
• Tyler Peck, Quality Inn Oakwood
• Jesslyne Razwick, Holiday Inn Express Valley

Hospitality Volunteer of the Year - Recognizes any hospitality industry volunteer (i.e. entertainment venues, museums, and festival and event volunteers) who has made an outstanding contribution.

• Robert Ashby, Spokane Visitor Information Center
• Flo Carrico, Spokane Visitor Information Center
• Carolyn Woodmansee, Washington Trust Bank

CTA of the Year - This award is presented to a current Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) who exemplifies the very best in the hospitality industry. This individual is a Tourism Star who consistently exceeds customer expectations, possesses a strong knowledge of the region and its attractions, and promotes the ideals of the Spokane Regional Tourism Ambassador Program with warm and friendly customer service.

• Larry Killstrom, Downtown Spokane Partnership
• Anne Marie Netzel, Mount Saint Michael's Parish and Academy
• Trevor Werttemberger, Red Lion Hotels Corporation

Tourism Professional of the Year - Recognizes a person who has made a significant contribution to the tourism industry through more than a decade of innovation, inspiration and industry leadership.

• Lori Castro, Red Lion Hotel at the Park
• Mike Gaffaney, Spokane Public Facilities District
• Jim van Loben Sels, Arbor Crest Wine Cellars

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2011 Tourism Award Winners
May 12, 2011

Extraordinary Leadership in Tourism Excellence Award (ELITE)
Rick Steltenpohl, Executive Director for Spokane Hoopfest Association

Tourism Professional of the Year
Julie Cohen, Holiday Inn Express Spokane Valley

White Glove Award
Polly Shanks, Doubletree Hotel Spokane City Center

Silver Spoon Award
Carri Davidson, Spencer's for Steaks & Chops

Superior Service Award
Brandon Peterson, Holiday Inn Express Spokane Valley

Righteous Retail Award
Victoria Ferro, Audrey's Boutique

Best Impression Meeting Sales Award
Cheryl Sieveke, Quality Inn Valley Suites

On the Move Award
John Hall, Northern Quest Resort & Casino

Heart of the House Award
Paula Nelson, Holiday Inn Express Coeur d'Alene

Rising Star Award
Elizabeth Mills, River Park Square

Festivals & Events Award
Spokane Lilac Festival

Attraction Award
Silver Mountain Resort

Spirit of the Inland Northwest Award
The Pacific Northwest Inlander

In the Bag Award
Walters' Fruit Ranch

Exceptional Diners, Drive-ins & Dives
Kalico Kitchen

Top Table Award
Santé Restaurant and Charcuterie

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2010 Tourism Award Winners
May 13, 2010

Festivals & Events Award
2010 U.S. Figure Skating Championships

Attraction Award
Silverwood Theme Park

Near Nature. Near Perfect. Award
ROW Adventures

Spirit of the Inland Northwest Award
Spokane Transit Authority

In the Bag Award
Aveda

Top Table Award
Wild Sage American Bistro

White Glove Award
Bo Bohannon, Northern Quest Resort & Casino

Silver Spoon Award
Wendale Ellis, Carl's Jr. Restaurant (on 3rd Avenue)

First Impression Sales Award
Dana Divine, The Davenport Hotel and Tower and Hotel Lusso

First Impression Retail Sales Award
Colleen Yellin, The Davenport Hotel and Tower

First Impression Hotel Award
Nathan Gray, The Davenport Hotel and Tower

First Impression Transportation Award
Jules Dossou Azatassou, Daj Taxi Cab

Heart of the House Award
Ryan Wilson, Spokane Public Facilities District

Rising Star Award
Linda Yeomans, Historic Preservation Planning & Design

Hospitality Volunteer of the Year
Tracy Niles, Star U.S.A.

Tourism Professional of the Year
Barb Beddor, Star U.S.A.

The CTA Star Award Winner
Dan Hall, Downtown Spokane Partnership

Jack Lucas Named
ELITE Award Winner

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2009 Tourism Award Winners
May 11, 2009

Festivals & Events Award
Spokane Lilac Festival

Attraction Award
Green Bluff Growers

"Near nature. Near perfect." Award
Cat Tales Zoological Park

Spirit of the Inland Northwest Award
The Davenport Hotel and Tower

In the Bag Award
Auntie's Bookstore

Top Table Award
Wild Sage American Bistro

The White Glove Award
Sahbaz Alickovic, The Davenport Hotel and Tower

The Silver Spoon Award
Gage Lee, Frank's Diner

First Impression Hotel Award
Curt Krijns, Quality Inn Valley Suites

First Impression Retail Sales Award
Kyra Morelli, Finders Keepers

First Impression Sales Award
Meg Harper, The Davenport Hotel and Tower

First Impression Transportation Award
Julie Saucier, Group Coordinators

Heart of the House Award
David Sharp, Ramada Spokane Airport & Indoor Waterpark

Rising Star Award
John Rice, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Coeur d'Alene

Tourism Professional of the Year
Sandy Kates, LCD Exposition Services

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2008 Tourism Award Winners
May 6, 2008

Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
Art Coffey

Tourism Professional of the Year:
Dave McGann, Arby's Roast Beef Restaurants

Festivals & Events Award:
Evergreen Region Volleyball - Pacific Northwest Volleyball Qualifier

Attraction Award:
Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture (MAC)

"Near nature. Near perfect." Award:
Arbor Crest Wine Cellars

Spirit of the Inland Northwest Award:
David's Pizza

In The Bag Award:
Chocolate Apothecary

Top Table Award:
Chaps
 
 
The White Glove Award:
Cindy Cecil, Pheasant Hill Inn & Suites, A Magnuson Grand Hotel

The Silver Spoon Award:
Shane Lee, Taco John's

First Impression Hotel Award:
Kent Brocklebank, Red Lion Hotel at the Park

First Impression Sales Award:
Vivi Windsor, Pheasant Hill Inn & Suites, A Magnuson Grand Hotel

First Impression Retail Sales Award:
Drew Smith, Huckleberry's Natural Market

First Impression Transportation Award:
Kent Brocklebank, Red Lion Hotel at the Park

Heart of the House Award:
Smajo Mekic, Holiday Inn Express Spokane Valley

Rising Star Award:
Jody Aldred, Doubletree Hotel Spokane City Center

Hospitality Volunteer of the Year Award:
Lea Smith, CenterStage

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2007 Tourism Award Winners
May 18, 2007

Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
Don Barbieri of WestCoast Entertainment

Tourism Professional of the Year
Jody Sander of Sterling Hospitality

First Impression hotel Award
Christine Olinger of Holiday Inn Express Downtown

First Impression TransportatioN aWARD
Shane Chapman of Oxford Suites Spokane Valley

First Impression Sales Award
James Hicks of WestCoast Entertainment

The Silver Spoon Award
Mary Stratton of The Davenport Hotel and Tower

Rising Star Award
Craig Brosenne of Hagadone Marine Group

White Glove Award
Trina Etherington of Holiday Inn Express Spokane Valley

Hospitality Volunteer of the year
Sandy Kates of LCD Exposition Services

Festivals & events Award
Hoopfest 2006 by Spokane Hoopfest Association

Attraction Award
Manito Park

Near Nature Near Perfect Award
Campbell House at Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture (MAC)

On the Move Award
Spokane Transit Authority

In the Bag Award
Nordstrom

Top Table Award
Anthony's Restaurant

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2006 Tourism Awards Winners
May 18, 2006

Tourism Professional of the Year
Dean Feldmeier, Doubletree Hotel Spokane City Center

White Glove Award
Jasmina Mekic, Holiday Inn Express Downtown Spokane

The Silver Spoon Award
Paul Santos, Mirabeau Park Hotel & Convention Center

First Impression Award - Sales
Tammy Lease, Doubletree Hotel Spokane City Center

First Impression Award - hotel
Bob Bruce, E.J. Roberts’ Mansion

First Impression Awards - Transportation
Allen Rogers, The Davenport Hotel

Hospitality Volunteer of the year
Valerie Hester, Republic Regional Visitors & Convention Bureau

Rising Star Award
Heather Pappin, Holiday Inn Express Downtown Spokane

On the Move Award
Alpha Omega Tours & Charters Inc

Festivals & events Award
The Lion King presented by WestCoast Entertainment

Lifetime Achievement Award
Dennis McLaughlin

Attraction Award
Silverwood Theme Park

Near Nature Near Perfect Award
NW GolfMaps

Top Table Award
MAX at Mirabeau

In the Bag Award
Simply Northwest

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Tourism Professional of the Year
Kevin Baker - Red Lion Hotel at the Park

The White Glove Award
The Housekeeping Staff at the Davenport hotel

The Silver Spoon Award
Pauline Riley - Niko's

First Impression Awards - Sales
Tammy Lease - Doubletree Hotel

First Impression Awards - Hotel
Mary Williams - Doubletree Hotel

fIRST iMPRESSION aWARDS - transportation
Harla Jean Biever - Group Coordinators

HOSPITALITY VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Karin Ryon - Red Lion Hotel at the Park

Rising Star Award
John Gumenberg - Red Lion Hotel at the Park

On the Move Award
Inland Empire Distribution Systems

Festivals & Events Award
First Night Spokane

Lifetime Achievement Award
John McDaniel

Attractions Award
Spokane Opera House

Near Nature Near Perfect Award
Arbor Crest Wine Cellars

Top Table Award
The Palm Court Restaurant

In the Bag Award
Auntie's Book Store

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Tourism Professional of the Year
Harry Sladich, Sterling Hospitality

The White Glove Award
Best Western Pheasant Hill Housekeeping Staff

The Silver Spoon Award
Yong Yudt, Holiday Inn Express Spokane Valley

First Impression Awards - Sales
Connie Wagner, Quality Inn Valley Suites

First Impression Awards - Hotel
Betty Faletto, Hidden Lakes Golf Resort

Hospitality Volunteer of the Year
Sandy Kates, LCD Exposition Services

First Impression Awards - Transportation
Avis Rent A Car

Rising Star Award
Lisa Bracco, Spokane County Fair & Expo Center

On the MOve Award
Montana Rockies Rail Tours

Festivals & Events Award
Star USA - 2007 U.S. Figure Skating Championships

Lifetime Achievement Award
Luke Williams

Near Nature Near Perfect Award
Manito Park, City of Spokane Parks Department

Top Table Award
The Lodge on Hidden Lakes

Attraction Award
Spokane County Fair & Expo Center

In the Bag Award
River Park Square

Tourism Professional of the Year
Jack Lucas, WestCoast Entertainment

Rising Star Award
Nathan Hatcher, Hilton Garden Inn

On the MOve Award
Downtown Spokane Partnership
Courtesy Ticket Program

The White Glove Award
Nona Jones, Hidden Lakes Resort

The Silver spoon Award
Tess Cosby, Hampton Inn Spokane

Cultural Tourism Award
Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture

First Impression Award - Sales
Mike Deprez, Hidden Lakes Golf Resort

First IMpression Award - Hotel
Julie Cohen, Holiday Inn Express Valley

Hospitality Volunteer of the Year
Dennis Little, Catered Ambiance

Lifetime Achievement Award
Mike Kobluk

Attraction Award
Riverfront Park

EcoTourism Award
Hidden Creek Ranch

Festivals & Events Award
2003 NCAA Mens Basketball Tournament, WSU

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Tourism Professional of the Year
Kevin Twohig

Rising Star Award
Toni Hansen, Doubletree Hotel Valley

On the MOve Award
Julie Saucier, Group Coordinators

The White Glove Award
Carol Ronan, Holiday Inn Express Valley

The Silver Spoon Award
Dzenana Prozorac, Holiday Inn Express Downtown

Cultural Tourism Award
Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture

First Impression Awards - Sales
Candi Van Allen

First Impression Front Line Award
Bob Charos, WestCoast Grand

Hospitality Front Line Award
Jack Aronson, WestCoast Ridpath Hotel

Lifetime Achievement Award
King Cole

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Tourism Professional of the Year
Jane Johnson, Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture

The White glove Award
Carol Carchia, Travelodge

The Silver Spoon Award
Jayme Hilson, Clinkerdagger

First Impression Award
Security Ambassadors,
Downtown Spokane Business Improvement District

Hospitality Volunteer of the Year
Flo Carrico, VIC Volunteer, Convention Volunteer

The Good Earth Award
Rings & Things

Cultural Tourism Award
ArtFest Steam Plant Grill

On the Move Award
Spokane International Airport

Lifetime Achievement Award
Hartly Kruger, Past President Spokane Regional CVB

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