Visit Cook County and the Cook County Chamber were unable to host the Fall Gala in 2020. The celebration, which celebrates the end of a busy summer season, certainly was missed. Over 200 of our business and community friends typically join together for a night of celebration and recognition of achievements. However, Visit Cook County feels strongly about recognizing our hospitality employees and did not want to forego the Year of Hospitality Awards, which we announced on November 2.
In 2019, Visit Cook County launched the new award. Nominations are accepted from each tourism community: Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais, Grand Portage and Lutsen/Tofte/Schroeder.
There has never been a more important time to recognize the hospitality workers in northeastern Minnesota. You know the ones, the members of your team that deliver extraordinary service with a smile on their face and always seem to help out when needed. We all know great hospitality creates guest loyalty. These employees are often described as reliable, personable and caring. They have a passion for what they do.
HOH Grand Portage. L-R: Linda Jurek, Brian Sherburn, Merillat, Rachel Lien, Sally Deshampe, Todd Ford. Photos courtesy of Kjersti Vick
The following individuals were nominated for this year’s award:
*Joyce Merrilat-Grand Portage Lodge and Casino nominated by Todd Ford.
*Chris Hartman- Hungry Jack Lodge nominated by Lea Leonard.
*Ada Hall-Caribou Highlands nominated by Mary Barton Nees.
*Bernard Banks- Cascade Lodge and Restaurant, nominated by Thom and Jelena McAleer.
* Brett Hartfield- Mountain Inn nominated by Teri Chilfone.
* Hilton Young- Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts nominated by Ross Sherman and the Bluefin team.
* Jason Ernst-North Shore Winery nominated by Mary Hanson.
*Jinsey Smith-Horizon House nominated by Katie Franz.
*Samantha Wallner- Grand Marais Recreation Area nominated by Dave Tersteeg.
*Nate Raway- East Bay Suites nominated by Craig Ludtke.
*Daryl Bathke- Cook County Whole Foods nominated by Amanda St. John.
HOH Gunflint Trail: Chris Hartman, Linda Jurek and Forest Parson.
*Bekah Watson—Cook County Whole Foods Coop nominated by Jennifer Stoltz.
*Arielle Charlier- Voyageur Brewing nominated by Sue Prom.
* All business owners and employees nominated by Jim Joynes, Joynes Ben Franklin.
Kjersti Vick, PR and Marketing Director, and Linda Jurek, Executive Director of Visit Cook County, arranged surprise visits to each tourism area to award the following individuals:
*Joyce Merrillat-Grand Portage Lodge and Casino (Grand Portage).
* Chris Hartman- Hungry Jack Lodge (Gunflint Trail).
* Samantha Wallner- Grand Marais Recreation Area (Grand Marais).
* Bernard Banks- Cascade Lodge and Restaurant (Lutsen, Tofte, Schroeder).
You can watch the videos of the award presentation on our website: blog.visitcookcounty.com/heart-of-hospitality-awards-2020.
We have strong hopes that the Fall Gala in 2021 will take place and the 2020 recipients will be asked to join for a face-to-face recognition of their achievements.
HOH Lutsen, Tofte, Tourism Association: L-R: Thom McALeer, Bernard Banks, Linda Jurek and Jelena McAleer.
Linda Jurek is the executive director of Visit Cook County. Linda is a 1978 graduate of Cook County High School. She lived much of her adult life in Duluth where she raised a family, returning home when her current position was offered to her.
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