The Stars Shine Everyday

January 2009
By Dale J. Venturini
President/CEO, Rhode Island Hospitality Association

Recently, the Rhode Island Hospitality Association held its Annual Meeting and Stars of the Industry Awards dinner. More than 400 hospitality and tourism employees joined together to celebrate the accomplishments of colleagues, friends and family. The Stars of the Industry Awards recognize the outstanding achievements of members of the hospitality, foodservice and tourism industries. Award recipients were chosen not only for their dedication and contributions to their careers, but for their involvement in their local communities.

The success of Rhode Island’s hospitality and tourism industry is a reflection of the individuals and businesses that make up the industry, and it is with great pleasure that I congratulate all of this year’s Stars of the Industry winners for their tremendous accomplishments. Their achievements go far in making the hospitality and tourism industry one of the most successful in Rhode Island, in fact, we are the second largest industry in the State.

Our employees continuously strengthen the industry’s position as the cornerstone of the economy and the community. We are fortunate to have some of the best and brightest out there who are looking to make a difference and create a career for themselves.

The event gives us the opportunity each year to showcase the individuals who make up our industry. We should highlight these individuals, as well as the more than 67,000 employees who make up the fabric of the industry each and every day. From servers to general managers, housekeepers to security personnel, and chefs to sales managers, our industry runs the gamut on viable employment and career paths.

But, more so than recognizing the individual achievements of employees during an annual dinner, we should all take a moment to thank those who we come in contact with in the business. Hospitality venues comprise the backdrop of every important milestone in our lives, and we often overlook the folks who are at the ready to serve and to make your memory a good one. How often have you been to a restaurant and said, ‘the food was good, but we had an amazing server who really made our dinner special,’ or ‘the hotel was beautiful, but the concierge went out of her way to help us find that perfect spot for dinner.’

Hospitality workers are the magic makers, they are the folks who add a sprinkle of fairy dust to create a special memory. They help make a romantic dinner memorable by offering suggestions and wine pairings, they make a hotel stay brighter by providing a room with a great view and they make a child laugh by leaving a bunny made from hand towels and elastics on the bed; they are the memory makers and they are an important part of all of our lives.

With the economy officially in a recession, we know that folks have less disposable income to spend in restaurants, hotels and attractions. And, when they do go out, they are often not as cheerful as they have been in brighter economic days. However, a kind word of thanks can go a long way. As we know, difficult times can either bring out the best in us or the worst. Let’s focus on the best – in fostering a culture of community and supporting one another in our own backyard.