Pennsylvania Dutch Country Visitors Center 501 Greenfield Road, Lancaster, PA 17601 717-299-8901 www.padutchcountry.com
Pennsylvania Dutch Country Visitors Center
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2010 Releases
7/1/2010
PA Dutch CVB announces 2010 Spirit of Hospitality Award winners and Hospitality Scholarship recipients at annual reception
(Lancaster, Pa.) The Pennsylvania Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau held its annual reception last evening, with the recently-renovated and newly-branded Doubletree Resort at Willow Valley serving as partner and host. The organization named six local tourism professionals as winners of its 2010 Spirit of Hospitality Awards and five local students as recipients of its 2010 Hospitality Scholarships.
The Spirit of Hospitality Awards program honors individuals and organizations who exemplify the best of travel and tourism in Lancaster County.
Tom Groff of the Choo Choo Barn in Strasburg was honored with the Pat Burnley Lifetime Achievement Award for his crucial role in developing and shaping Lancaster County’s tourism industry over many decades. Since he was a young boy, Groff has been involved in the development of this beloved Lancaster property that his father George founded in 1961. During his time of heading up its operations, Groff expanded the venue to include the Shops of Traintown, and has given selflessly of his experience, energy, and resources on the board and committees of the PA Dutch CVB.
Jennifer Arrigo, Public Relations Manager at Herr’s Foods in Nottingham, received the Spirit of Leadership Award, which recognizes exemplary professionalism and exceptional service as a supervisory employee. Arrigo was honored for her more than 25 years of spearheading numerous creative marketing programs and special events, both at Herr’s and across the region.
Terri and Bob Stauffer, co-owners of Red Rose Segway Tours in Lancaster, received the Spirit of Creativity Award, which recognizes dedication to innovation in such areas as creative marketing or new programs. The Stauffers’ guided tours are the latest way to experience the sights and stories of historic Downtown Lancaster. Their Segways are also available for special events and team-building activities.
Bill Luckenbaugh, Business Development Manager at Sight & Sound Theatres® in Strasburg, received the Spirit of Service Award, which recognizes industry members who distinguish themselves in promoting Lancaster County tourism through exemplary service and dedication to the consumer. Blessed with a contagious spirit and passion for life that come through in his work, Luckenbaugh was honored for his more than 16 years of providing the outstanding customer service that each Sight & Sound guest deserves and his constant willingness to assist staff.
Scott Bowser of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire in Manheim received the Community Spirit Award, which recognizes an individual or organization whose actions demonstrate service and responsiveness to the local community. Bowser was honored for initiating programs at the Faire that have netted more than $100,000 in donations to non-profits like Make-A-Wish and Easter Seals, and for creating the Heroes of the Realm weekend that honors active duty members of the military, police, and fire services, as well as veterans of our armed forces.
Initiated in 1989, the Hospitality Scholarship program is open to students pursuing a career in the tourism industry. Winners were selected based on academic achievement and enthusiasm for the industry.
The 2010 scholarship recipients (award amounts in parentheses) are:
Derick Esch ($1000) of Brownstown – and a graduate of Conestoga Valley High School – will be entering his freshman year at Messiah College. Derick is interested in the film side of the tourism industry and has several years of experience after working for Sight & Sound Theatres, Oregon Dairy, and Dutch Wonderland. Derick also finds time to volunteer for his local food bank and Vacation Bible School.
Dale Eshbach ($1500) of Ronks – and a graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School – is a student at Penn State Berks, where he studies Business Administration. Dale discovered his talent for the tourism industry when he began selling horseshoes to tourists at his grandfather’s buggy ride business as a young boy. Dale is also an avid ice hockey player and has been involved in several volunteer projects with his college team.
Melquis Reyes ($1500) of Lancaster – and a graduate of J.P. McCaskey High School – plans to attend East Strasburg University in the fall after working at Dutch Wonderland this summer. He is a second time recipient of this award and is pursuing his dream of owning a restaurant.
Leah Riegel ($1500) of Lititz – and a graduate of Warwick High School – is a student at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She aspires to open her own restaurant in Lancaster County that will emphasize the area’s farm fresh cooking. Leah currently works as a caterer and volunteers her time at a local soup kitchen.
Jordan Smucker ($1500) of Bird-in-Hand – and a graduate of Lancaster Mennonite High School – attends Binghamton University, where he plays on the varsity baseball team. He enjoys helping people and would like to pursue a managerial career in the hospitality industry.
The 2010 annual reception was generously sponsored by the following PA Dutch CVB members: Courtyard by Marriott® – Lancaster and the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square; Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park; Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course; Kitchen Kettle Village; Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire; Sight & Sound Theatres®; U.S. Hot Air Balloon Team; and Zip Line Canopy Tour at Refreshing Mountain.
Lancaster County is a wonderful blend of urban style and rural splendor, and the PA Dutch CVB is dedicated to promoting its many rich cultures, from the Amish to the arts. Travelers can take in our vibrant downtown city life - with galleries, great dining, specialty shops, and live music - or explore surrounding towns & villages to get a sampling of the heritage, food, craftsmanship, and hands-on activities for which Lancaster is famous. Visit us at www.discoverlancasterpa.com. Lancaster is also part of Pennsylvania's Dutch Country Roads region, a true vacation destination where country meets city and the past lives side-by-side with the present.
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