In recognition of travel and tourism’s tremendous economic, social and cultural impact in Marion County, the Marion Area Convention and Visitors Bureau recently hosted a breakfast in the Guthery Room at OSUM, to honor those who work to foster tourism in the Marion area.
Hospitality industry, business professionals and volunteers attended the annual breakfast, which recognized the many helping hands of the CVB, and those on the frontline of customer service to the thousands of visitors to the Marion community in the past year.
Each year the CVB presents the Customer Service Star Award to one group or individual in the hospitality and service industry that best exemplifies customer service. All of the nominees are very deserving and can be called winners without the award. They were nominated because someone observed them doing their jobs well. They each received a “You Make The Difference” star pin from the Marion Area Convention and Visitors Bureau that commemorated their nomination.
This year’s nominees were:
- Phyllis Hendrix, community hospitality
- Sherry Krassou, Marion Boy Scouts of America office manager
- Marcela Martin, co-owner Baires Restaurant
- Linda Wollett, Medical Receptionist Dr. Desai office
- Theresa Knickerbocker, Country Inn & Suites Housekeeper
- Ann Herr, Country Inn & Suites Front Desk Clerk
- Chasity French, Country Inn & Suites Front Desk Clerk
- Marcy Lucas, Country Inn & Suites Front Desk Clerk
- Linda Steed, Country Inn & Suites Breakfast Attendant
- Christy White, Country Inn & Suites Head Housekeeper
- Theresa Kyle, Country Inn & Suites Head Housekeeper
- Dean & Barb Pine, Owners Jerzee Ice Cream
Unfortunately only one winner can be named, and for the 2010 Customer Service Star Award, Marcela Martin (pictured above) from Baires Restaurant was named the recipient.
Nomination comments Marcela garnered include: “She provides quick, courteous and friendly service. This is the only restaurant I have ever been in where the manager meets you at the door and gives a giant hug and a kiss on the cheek. Her restaurant is truly a home and not just a business. She has an excellent customer service minded staff and frequently tries out new items to keep from providing the normal every-day fare for meals. … Marcella makes her customers feel so easily at home.”
“I can’t say enough about how much we truly appreciate the efforts of all of the many frontline people. They are really the ones who leave customers and visitors alike feeling they have had a great experience here,” said Diane Watson, Director of Marion Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The Marion Area Convention and Visitors Bureau also awarded the River Valley Baseball for Youth Complex the Community Ambassador Award. As a nominee, the many volunteers, directors, coaches, umpires, scorekeepers, concessionaires serving the visitors to the complex are the ambassadors welcoming the many ball teams to the Marion community. They leave the first impression – and the lasting impression of our community. The award was accepted by Mike Radcliff and Phil Harbolt of the RBVFY board.
Also nominated for the Ambassador award were Mike Perry and Brad Hutchinson, historic car enthusiast who encourage car groups to make Marion, Ohio their next destination.
The tourism breakfast also shared the sixth year of the Marion’s Amazing Treasures playing card and the historical value of learning about what is in your own back yard.
The Marion Area Convention and Visitors Bureau mission is dedicated to promoting the Marion area’s many historic and unusual attractions, with the purpose being to bring economic growth to the Marion area.
Tourism dollars spent by travelers produce a ripple effect that is felt through every aspect of the Marion area and beyond. Visitor spending strengthens Marion’s economy by creating jobs, supporting local businesses from gas stations to retail stores, and creating greater tax revenues in support of the Marion community.
