On Thursday, September 21st, the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority celebrated hospitality heroes at the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana during their annual awards ceremony. The R.O.S.E. (Recognition of Service Excellence) Awards honor Northwest Indiana’s front-line employees while the R.I.S.E. (Recognition of Industry Success & Excellence) Awards honor managerial or past R.O.S.E. Award recipients. This year there were more than 100 nominations received.
Those nominated continually go above and beyond to create a positive and lasting impression for their guests. Out of the nominations, 40 finalists were chosen and treated to an afternoon at Crown Point’s Beauty & the Beach and Public Bar and Rec, with transportation provided by Epic Limo of Valparaiso.
All finalists then attended the awards dinner at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana where the 15 winners were announced. Each of the 15 received a glass encased rose and a prize package valued at more than $1,300.
“This is the 17th year that the SSCVA has recognized our Northwest Indiana hospitality employees for exceeding expectations by providing extraordinary service to guests and customers,” stated David Uran, SSCVA President/CEO. “We have honored 192 R.O.S.E. and 27 R.I.S.E. winners in years past and we are thrilled to add this group of 15 individuals to that distinguished list.”
R.O.S.E. Winners
Mary Bradford, Historical Interpreter, Lake County Parks - Buckley Homestead
Chery Czerniak, Security Officer, Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana
Hajrije "Heidi" Jahovic, Housekeeper, Hampton Inn & Suites, Valparaiso
Maria Jaros, Table Games Dealer. Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana
Teresa Krasinski, Sr. Exec. Admin. Assistant, Horseshoe Casino, Hammond
Cynthia Morgan, Front Desk Agent, Hilton Garden Inn, Chesterton
Anthony Taylor, Cook, Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana
Taylor Verbich, Server Manager, Blockhead Beerworks, Valparaiso
Cameron Wild, Guest Services, Hilton Garden Inn, Chesterton
Mary Williamson, Volunteer. Lake County Parks - Deep River County Park
R.I.S.E. Winners
Michelle Hart, Cage Shift Manager, Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana
Lynette Newell, Manager, Schoop's Hamburgers, Highland
Christy Qualkenbush, Business Director, Beachwalk Vacation Rentals, Michigan City
Davon Sims, WashUP Manager, Luke Family of Brands
Larry Washington, Pit Manager, Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana
If you know someone who deserves a R.O.S.E. or R.I.S.E. award, submit your nominations for 2024 at www.rose-awards.com.