The South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority honored Northwest Indiana’s hospitality heroes on Thursday, September 25, during its 19th annual awards ceremony at Horseshoe Casino Hammond.
The R.O.S.E. (Recognition of Service Excellence) Awards celebrate exceptional front-line employees, while the R.I.S.E. (Recognition of Industry Success & Excellence) Awards recognize managerial staff or past R.O.S.E. recipients. This year, the SSCVA received more than 80 nominations.
Nominees are individuals who consistently go above and beyond, leaving lasting impressions on their guests. From those nominations, 40 finalists were selected and treated to an afternoon of fun and relaxation at either Public Bar and Rec in Crown Point or Vanis Salon & Day Spa in Schererville, with luxury transportation provided by Epic Limo of Valparaiso.
During the evening, finalists gathered at Horseshoe Casino for the awards dinner, where 15 winners were announced. Each honoree received a glass-encased rose and a prize package valued at more than $1,500.
“Through the years, we’ve recognized 213 R.O.S.E. and 36 R.I.S.E. award winners, and we’re proud to welcome this year’s 15 honorees to that distinguished group,” stated Phil Taillon, SSCVA President/CEO. “The spirit of hospitality is about more than service—it’s about caring for people and making them feel at home. Each of our finalists and winners represent that spirit, and we are proud to recognize their lasting impact on our community and our visitors.”
R.O.S.E. Winners
Shannon Barajas, ESPN Bet Restaurant Server - Ameristar Casino, East Chicago
Linda Bolduc, Front Desk Attendant - Country Inn & Suites, Portage
Sherry Cimino, Server/Bartender - SouthShore Drift Company at Hilton Garden Inn, Chesterton
Jacquelyn Contreras, Floral Manager - Strack & Van Til, Highland
Jack Craig, Support Staff - The Barker Mansion, Michigan City
Janis Frysztak, Front Desk Agent - Candlewood Suites, Merrillville
Craig Golbesky, Events Coordinator - The Barker Mansion, Michigan City
Dana Lescoe, Veteran Engagement Manager - INvets, Northwest Region
Sheila Piro, Asst. Mgr. / Cake Decorator - Strack & Van Til, Highland
Shelly Reimer, Floral Manager - Strack & Van Til, Crown Point
PJ Roney, Guest Services Agent - Beachwalk Vacation Rentals, Michigan City
Stephanie Vance, Manager - Epic Limo, Valparaiso
R.I.S.E. Winners
Cynthia Morgan, Banquet Captain - Hilton Garden Inn, Chesterton
Anna Sallay, Assistant Manager - Jimmy John's, Crown Point
Nicholas Walker, General Manager - ChicagoLand Popcorn, Merrillville