Stars Awards Dinner

Celebrating excellence in New Hampshire’s hospitality industry, the New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Association hosted the 97th annual “Stars of the Industry” Awards Dinner on Wednesday November 9^th at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord New Hampshire.

Each year the “Stars of the Industry” Awards Dinner celebrates individuals who exemplify the best of the hospitality industry. The honorees of the 2011“Stars of the Industry” awards have given back to their communities in diverse ways. They have spent time and energy working to help numerous non-profit groups. They have excelled in their positions and inspired coworkers. Collectively, they have provided examples of the qualities, attributes and actions of true stars of the industry. 

“Each year the committee struggles to choose an honoree as all of our nominees are so deserving! I congratulate them all for this recognition - their commitment to their customer and to the industry.

Joel Bourassa receiving the Green Giant Award

It Is people like these who make New Hampshire such a special place to visit” said Mike Somers, President and CEO of the New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Association. The NHLRA awards committee, comprised of past honorees, review applications and narrow down the field of candidates to three finalists per category.

In Academy Awards style, the honorees are kept a closely guarded secret until they are revealed at the Awards Dinner.

Congratulations to the 2011 Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner

Innkeeper of the Year

Cynthia Makris, Naswa Resort

Restaurateur of the Year

Jeff Paige, Cotton

Allied Member of the Year

Tom Minkler, Clark Mortenson Agency

Employee of the Year - Lodging

Vivian Stamelos, Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth Hotel

Employee of the Year - Restaurant

Lisa Tremblay, Fosters Boiler Room

Green Giant Award

Joel Bourassa, InnSeason Resorts Pollard Brook

Excellence in Education

Joan Fossum, Pittsfield Middle High School

The dinner also included recognition of the State Winners of the National Restaurant Association Restaurant Neighbor Award. Each year, the National Restaurant Association and American Express salute restaurateurs who go above and beyond in giving back to their communities through the Restaurant Neighbor Award. The 2011 Restaurant Neighbor Awards for New Hampshire are as follows:

State Winner – National Restaurant Association Neighbor Award

Common Man Family of Restaurants

State Winner – National Restaurant Association Neighbor Award

Margaritas

State Winner – National Restaurant Association Neighbor Award

Patrick’s Pub & Eatery