GREEN BAY, WIS – On Tuesday, October 25 at the Rock Garden Conference Center, Discover Green Bay honored four members of the tourism and hospitality industry in the Green Bay region at their annual Fall Luncheon and Tourism Awards.
Each year Discover Green Bay, the official destination marketing organization for the Green Bay area, hosts the event that honors the work and commitment of local partners who contribute to the more than $1 billion total economic impact of tourism in our region.
At this year's event, the inaugural "Hospitality Employee of the Year" was presented to Amanda LeFave of the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center. The Hospitality Employee of the Year recognizes those on the ground doing great work to improve the overall visitor experience.
"Amanda [LeFave]connects with people by continuously focusing on relationship building and improving the customer's experience, no matter what they do in the area," her nomination read. "She always goes out of her way to be sure her customers connect with the right people at the right destination to ensure they have the best possible experience while visiting. She always is exploring new venues and sharing these with her current customers and potential customers, making Green Bay and Oneida a destination."
Discover Green Bay also presented the annual awards for Event of the Year, Business Partner of the Year and the Tim Quigley Tourism Person of the Year.
The Event of the Year recipient was the Women's World Para Ice Hockey Challenge held at the Cornerstone Community Center. This first-of-its-kind event featured teams from the UK, Canada, USA and World and brought many new travelers to the region.
"Not only was the Women's World Para Ice Hockey Challenge a great success in 2022, but also may be back to the region for the first-ever world championships in the near future," said Brad Toll, President and CEO of Discover Green Bay
The Business Partner of the Year was presented to Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB). Discover Green Bay's partnership with GRB has been a benefit to the tourism economy for many years. In 2022 GRB was a critical partner in improvements made to the baggage claim area. GRB, Discover Green Bay and the Greater Green Bay Chamber partnered to create a space that welcomes and informs visitors. GRB has also made many infrastructure improvements, provided space at the EAA Booth for Discover Green Bay to promote the region, and was a partner in the Stars & Stripes Honor Flight event in 2022.
The Tim Quigley Person of the Year honoree in 2022 is Kristine Hall - former General Manager of the Hyatt Regency Downtown Green Bay. Hall recently took over the role of General Manager of the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Chicago to be closer to family. In a recorded ceremony Hall accepted the award in recognition of her influence on the Green Bay Area tourism economy and at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Green Bay.
"From a Georgia girl to all the way up here it has been a rollercoaster ride," said Hall in a recorded message. "My partner Tracy and I have done some great things here at this hotel...I have truly appreciated all the partnerships and friendships that I will take long into the future."
Discover Green Bay thanks the entire community for their work to ensure that this remains a top-tier destination in the state and throughout the country.