Oct 18, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                 
CONTACTS: Nancy Hamilton, Lee Rose, Jessica Grace, Judi Durant
                          (239)338-3500

Lee County Hospitality Industry Awards Honor Outstanding Customer Service

LEE COUNTY, FL – (October 18, 2006) For dedication to exceptional customer service to achieve business success, eight workers were saluted by receiving the Elaine McLaughlin Outstanding Hospitality Service Awards at a ceremony in Fort Myers today.

Sponsored by the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB), the program acknowledges employees within the hospitality and allied industries who positively influence a visitor or resident's experience.  The "E" Awards is a collaboration with various local businesses to increase public awareness of, and to encourage and support, the exceptional service excellence being provided by Lee County hospitality professionals.
From nearly 225 nominations, those selected for their excellence in service and dedication included:

• Anthony Prestipino, Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, Bonita Springs
• Marina Dowling, BIG Arts, Sanibel and Captiva islands
• Kelley Cowan, Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida, Fort Myers
• Joan Brichacek, Colonial Bank, Fort Myers
• Thomas Phelps, Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa, Fort Myers
• Christian Rodriguez, Miromar Outlets, Estero
• Terressa Zook, Professional Airline Terminal Services, Fort Myers

The Honor of Distinction award for best overall representative of outstanding
service for the year went to Captain John Bunch, GiddyUp Fishing Charters.  Bunch was recognized for organizing "Operation Open Arms," the local tourism and service industry's effort to show appreciation to military personnel on temporary leave to the area.  This program includes donating complimentary fishing charters to military personnel.     

Named for Elaine McLaughlin, the Lee County VCB's former executive
director, the "E" Awards exemplifies her core belief that providing outstanding customer service is one of the major cornerstones of success for all businesses.  Nomination categories included: Accommodations, Attractions, Restaurants, Retail, Transportation, Good Samaritan, and Other Services/Businesses.  Winners were chosen by a steering committee of business representatives.

"Once again, the VCB is pleased to give recognition to our area's employees who work hard to provide high level customer service for those visiting or doing business within our destination," said D.T. Minich, C.D.M.E., VCB executive director.  "The degree of service a business provides its customers is critical to the business' success or failure." 

Sponsors of this year's "E" Awards include The News-Press, Geraci Travel – Ports of Call Cruises & Tours, SunStream Hotels & Resorts, Getaway Marina, Sea Key West Express, ExxonMobil, and The Veranda restaurant.

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