Dale J. Venturini
President/CEO, Rhode Island Hospitality Association
Every December, I look forward to our annual meeting and awards ceremony, ‘Stars of the Industry,’ because it gives me a chance to personally award and congratulate some really fantastic people in our industry. While our economy still struggles, you’d never know it to look around the ballroom at the Rhode Island Convention Center and see more than 500 people showing their support for colleagues, employees and friends.
The Stars of the Industry Awards recognize the outstanding achievements of members of the hospitality, foodservice and tourism industries. Recipients were not only nominated for their dedication and contributions to their careers, but for their involvement in their local communities. This year, we gave out more than 50 awards in numerous areas including the American Hotel & Lodging Association State Leadership Award, the National Restaurant Association Restaurant Neighbor Award, and a host of Allied, Hospitality, Tourism, and Lodging awards.
What’s really nice about this type of program is that many of the award winners are actually nominated by customers. Yes, the general public actually takes the time to fill out a nomination form on why their server, bartender, hostess, etc. is deserving of some special recognition. Others are nominated by their peers or managers for going above and beyond the call of duty, providing an exceptional guest experience, or other meaningful contribution to the community.
I’ve been doing this annual event for more than 20 years, but it seems like just yesterday when the Association first launched our awards program. Of course, back then, it was very small and very different than it is today. This year, our event was attended by the Governor of Rhode Island, several mayors, state representatives and senators. Indeed, we’ve come a long way since our humble beginnings in the late 1980s and it’s a good feeling to be recognized by our state’s leadership for all the good our membership does and contributes to the economy and community.
It was the perfect celebratory conclusion to what was a tough year for so many of us. They say that adversity brings people together and the past two years has certainly been rife with adversity. However, it’s my hope that the market indicators for 2011 are accurate and the economy will continue to pick up, jobs will be gained and our country will be back on track to prosperity. We’ve come through a truly dark period and as I talk to my colleagues across the nation, I am hearing a collective – yet cautious–sigh of relief. I’m also heartened when I look through our own ranks. RIHA membership has increased 10% in 2010, reaching approximately 640 members. Perhaps, the worst is behind us.
As 2011 begins, so does a new year of possibilities. When you make your list of resolutions - lose 10 pounds, spend more quality time with the family, add one more...nurture and build your relationships. Visit your neighborhood businesses, get to know those who work there, say a kind word and I guarantee it will get paid back in full throughout the year.
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 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 our industry one of the most successful in Rhode Island.
