On May 7, Visit Fort Wayne held their annual Power of Tourism event at the Grand Wayne Convention Center.
The event centered around the Power of Tourism and Hospitality Awards, given to recognize the thousands of hospitality and tourism professionals in our community who work to serve the 9.2 million visitors who come to Allen County every year, bringing over $1.1 billion in spending to our community.
This year's award recipients included:
Rising Star Award - Recognizes individuals who have been in the hospitality industry for fewer than five years and are consistently achieving excellence in their current role.
Edwin Chow, Summit City Climbing Co.
Service Excellence Award - Recognizes employees who provide exceptional service. Nominees are evaluated on attitude, workplace knowledge and familiarity with the community, communication skills, and ability to exceed visitor expectations. These nominees are ambassadors of outstanding service.
Ty-O-Nia Moore, Focus Bridge Hospitality - Candlewood Suites
Hospitality Leadership Award - Recognizes a management-level employee for leadership in the local hospitality industry. Nominees are evaluated on management, leadership skills, and their vision for the hospitality industry. These nominees display foresight and exceptional leadership skills and have positively impacted the Fort Wayne/ Allen County hospitality industry and the community.
Joe Marana, Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority
Power of Tourism Award - Recognizes an individual who has distinguished themselves in the Fort Wayne/Allen County Tourism industry by exemplifying the highest level of leadership and service. As well as taking steps to improve and invest in the future. Nominees are evaluated on professional excellence, values and integrity, and achievements representing our destination's best.
Caleb Kimmel, World Baseball Academy
Organization or Business Service Excellence Award - Recognizes the best practices and achievements of an organization or business within our local hospitality and tourism industry. Nominees are evaluated on tourism innovation, community engagement, and customer service. These nominees highlight the best organizational practices that represent outstanding service towards visitors and the community.
World Baseball Academy
Host Them Here Award - Recognizes an individual whose passion and dedication has been instrumental in bringing an annual conference, convention, or sporting event to the Fort Wayne/ Allen County community. This award celebrates their advocacy for hosting their event in our community, as well as their active involvement in planning and executing it. These efforts truly embody the spirit of Hoosier Hospitality, inviting others to experience Fort Wayne and Allen Counties' vibrant venues, hotels, restaurants, and businesses.
Todd Hensley, Gym Rats, LLC
Thomas C. Henry Destination Development Award - Recognizes the efforts of an individual, organization, or company that invests in and/or advocates for destination development to improve the resident’s quality of place while growing the visitor economy. Visit Fort Wayne selects the recipient of this award.
Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority
We were pleased to celebrate each of the deserving nominees and award the recipients.
For additional information or media interviews, please contact:
Kristen Guthrie, Visit Fort Wayne
kristen@visitfortwayne.com
(260) 424-3700
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