Staff report

SALISBURY – The Rowan County Tourism Development Authority (RCTDA) has announced the inaugural Rowan County Hospitality Industry’s Rowan Original Service Awards to recognize exemplary performance and service qualities from frontline team members in the Rowan County hospitality and service industry.

The Rowan Original Service Awards allows hotel, restaurant, attraction, service industry and retail operators along with event organizers to nominate frontline employees or volunteers, offering recognition within the local hospitality and service industry and across Rowan County for their outstanding contributions and distinguished service.

Managers, directors and supervisors are invited to nominate their employees or volunteers who demonstrate welcoming hospitality, work hard each day and go above and beyond in their job or volunteer assignments.

“Staff members across Rowan County work hard to demonstrate excellent original customer service to our visitors, guests and community members,” says James Meacham, CEO of Rowan County Tourism Development Authority. “The outstanding efforts of these employees benefit and aid to our local tourism and service industry.”

Nominations may be submitted online by visiting www.rowanoriginal.com.

Three award winners will be selected from the nominations. First place will receive $2,000, second place $1,000 and third place $500.

All three winners, the nominator and a guest of the nominee’s choosing will be hosted by the RCTDA at the Rowan Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Gala and awards celebration on Jan. 11 at 6 p.m. at the West End Plaza.

Award winners will be directly contacted prior to the event, but specific prize ranking will not be announced until the night of gala. Nominations will be accepted until Dec. 11.

“Each day I appreciate the welcoming attitude and work ethic that my staff display,” says Krista Osterweil, general manager at Hampton Inn. “As a manager, nominating deserving employees is a fantastic way for me to show positive recognition for their service.”

Members of the community are also welcome and encouraged to nominate hospitality and service staff members that they come in contact with that create a positive experience.

“Rowan County has an abundance of great tourism and hospitality assets,” says Craig Pierce, Rowan County commissioner. “It’s time that we say ‘thank you’ to those who promote and demonstrate the best that Rowan County has to offer to our visitors and community members”
For more information about the Rowan County Hospitality Industry’s Rowan Original Service Awards, visit www.rowanoriginal.com.