The South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority is now accepting nominations for the 19th annual R.O.S.E. and R.I.S.E. Awards, recognizing outstanding hospitality professionals across Northwest Indiana.
The R.O.S.E. Awards (Recognition of Service Excellence) celebrate exceptional front-line staff who go the extra mile to make a guest’s experience memorable. The R.I.S.E. Awards (Recognition of Industry Success & Excellence) honor supervisors, managers, and past R.O.S.E. recipients who continue to lead with dedication and excellence.
These awards shine a spotlight on individuals who consistently deliver outstanding customer service and make a positive, lasting impact on locals or visitors in our region. Finalists are surprised at their workplace with a rose along with a special invitation to the awards dinner. Winners will be revealed during the ceremony and honored with an award and a gift basket valued at more than $1,000.
“Receiving this award in 2024 honestly caught me off guard,” stated Dan Reid, Historical Interpreter at Buckley Homestead.” It made me realize how those small moments add up. When someone recognizes the effort, it’s not why you do it, but it stays with you. That kind of recognition ripples back into the work and out to the community. If you see someone quietly making a difference, nominating them helps keep that ripple going.”
Nominations can be submitted online by customers or business managers. In 2024, more than 100 nominations were received, with 40 finalists selected.
The 2025 R.O.S.E. and R.I.S.E. Awards Dinner will be held on Thursday, September 25 at Horseshoe Casino in Hammond. Before the event, finalists will enjoy an afternoon of celebration, including limousine transportation courtesy of Epic Limo of Valparaiso, and choice of pampering at Vanis Salon or games at Public Bar & Rec in Crown Point.
Submit your nomination today at www.rose-awards.com. Supporting documents such as comment cards or photos can also be uploaded. All nominations submitted after August 4th will be eligible for the 2026 awards.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Contact Kristin Taylor at ktaylor@southshorecva.com or 219.301.7752 for more information.
Learn more about the awards here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GiVOCW-X_c
2024 ROSE & RISE Award Winners