Attractions

Frank Artist--Churchill Downs

For 40 years, Frank Artist has played an integral role in welcoming guests around the world to Churchill Downs. As bartender in the prestigious Directors Room, he has graciously entertained guests that include dignitaries, celebrities, horsemen, athletes, politicians and royalty. To the uninitiated, this might sound glamorous. When you factor in the crushing number of Kentucky Oaks and Derby guests, the adherence to dignitary protocols, the long days and constant demands –only an individual with Frank’s extraordinary personality will do.

Not only has he faithfully worked the challenging days, nights and weekends of the race meets, but behind his smile is a genuine desire to make each person he serves feel welcome and special. Although Frank’s official title is “bartender,” virtually everyone he meets knows him as “friend.” Even a battle with cancer could not keep Frank from finding little ways to pamper the visitors he loves. Frank is the ultimate professional; his singular commitment to excellence is surpassed only by his warmth and generosity of spirit.

Bethany Brown--Frazier History Museum

Bethany joined the Frazier last spring as a part time/seasonal Guest Services Associate. Since becoming a part of the Frazier front end team, Bethany has constantly striven to make the most of every guest experience at the museum. Whether greeting guests at the front desk, introducing them to the Frazier’s wonderful membership benefits, or assisting guests in the Frazier Museum Store, Bethany exemplifies excellent customer service. In addition, Bethany is always helpful and willing to pitch in where ever she is needed. She is a true team player and everyone enjoys working with her.

Guests frequently leave positive comments about our friendly staff, and Bethany has been mentioned specifically many times. Guests remember her name, her smile, and the wonderful service she provides.

Bethany loves working with our guests and introducing them to history at The Frazier museum. She once said “To me, this is more than a job, it is a cause.” Her enthusiasm and work ethic shine through her treatment of guests from all around the world, and because of that she is nominated for a ROSE award.

Charlotte Browning--Mint Julep Tours

Charlotte Browning has been serving at the front door of Louisville as an employee of Mint Julep Tours. She is the first person to assist and serve those visiting Louisville that want to experience, see and learn about our great city, it's people, our culture and history. She provides a friendly face, voice and smile to all that want to be shown around Louisville.

Gaye Franke--Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest

Gaye Franke makes people feel like family at Bernheim. Gaye’s natural friendliness and gracious, sociable manner immediately makes members and visitors feel welcome. From day one she has provided top-notch support to people calling or coming in with questions about membership, programs, events and things to do at Bernheim.

As a long-time resident of nearby Bardstown, it is easy for her to help people choose fun places to visit or stay all around the region after their outing to Bernheim. If someone has a problem or concern with their visit or membership, he or she instantly becomes satisfied after Gaye’s assistance. If she cannot take care of it, she finds someone who can. Not only is Gaye completely committed to excellent customer care for lovers and supporters of nature’s beauty at Bernheim, staff and volunteers enjoy her quick smile and shared laughter on a daily basis. If there is anything that describes Gaye’s commitment to Bernheim’s mission of connecting people with nature, it is this: “Ready? OK!”

Renee Mitchell--KentuckyShow!

Renee is the epitome of a welcoming and warm ambassador to Louisville. Daily, visitors come to see the show and bring out of town guests with them. Renee not only welcomes them to the show with true delight that they are here, but answers any questions they have about KentuckyShow! or Louisville in general. If she doesn't know the answer, she will go out of her way to find the answer.

She is always smiling and her warmth is genuine. I'm so proud that she represents KentuckyShow! and Louisville, and she is quite a treasure.

Hazel Owens--Kentucky State Fair Board

In her own words, Hazel "likes to be out with people," and at 83-years-young, is not ready for full time retirement. This Spring, she fractured her spin in a car accident, leading to long hospital and rehabilitation.

Her goal was to return to work as an usher at the World's Championship Horse Show at the Kentucky State Fair, again because she enjoys being around people. She's great public relations for events and for all three of the KSFB facilities.

Jamie Smith--Marinette Dream Cruises

Once Marinette Dream Cruises is contacted by a client that is interested in taking a charter they are assigned to a hostess who leads them through the task of planning their upcoming trip. Jamie excels at helping plan cruises on the Ohio River and always goes the extra distance to help the client choose from the abundant restaurants and entertainment spots that are offer along the Ohio. She has planed lazily cruises, sightseeing adventures, and Bachelorette Parties.

I utilize Jamie to specialize in Corporate Charters, Team Building events, Bachelorette Parties, Anniversaries, and Honeymoons because of the special care she seems to want to give to the clients. We boast ourselves as being a classy motor yacht charter service and we proudly almost never fall short of that claim. I can truly say that Jamie is a very important part of why we achieve our status and she is truly the type of person and employee that represents what I believe the Rose awards were developed for.

Kelly Watson--Muhammad Ali Center

Kelly Watson from first contact with a special event client takes a steadfast approach at the Ali Center to ensure even the smallest details to potential unforeseen problems are addressed even before they happen.

Kelly works with the clients to make sure that there experience at the Ali Center is a wonderful and they have a memorable experience. Kelly takes customer service to and elevated level not accomplished by many, going over and beyond her duties she can be seen many times rearranging tables, chairs, setting up audio visual equipment, lining up bridal parties, helping direct guests into the building, loading wedding gifts to guests cars, and even one night tried to help save a wedding cake that started to fall in the middle of a wedding reception. She is a very dedicated, organized, and passionate about her job.

The Muhammad Ali Center is proud to nominate Kelly Watson for a 2011 Rose Award in the “Attractions” category.