Louisville’s ‘Superheroes’ Receive Recognition

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (November 20, 2024) – Louisville Tourism recognized the hospitality industry’s biggest local contributors at the highly anticipated ROSE (Recognition of Service Excellence) awards ceremony on Wednesday, November 20 at The Louisville Palace. The annual event, which has been held for over 30 years, recognizes dedicated front-line representatives of the hospitality industry who make Louisville a successful destination city by enhancing the city’s visitor experiences. More than 700 distinguished guests and tourism professionals attended the event held at The Louisville Palace. The evening affair was emceed for the 15th time by long-time local media personality Joe Arnold.

The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the ROSE Award winners. These awards are given to exemplary employees in the hospitality industry in various areas - both front-line and behind the scenes. There were 65 finalists this year.

The 2024 ROSE Award winners are:
Attractions: Mike Fitzgerald, Belle of Louisville
Behind the Scenes: David Henson, AJS Hotels
Culinary Arts: Dylan Morris, Hotel Distil
Event Services: David Hernandez, Louisville Marriott Downtown
Food & Dining Experience: Jamie Esterly, Belle Noble Entertainment Group
Guest & Retail Services: Sueann Stone, The Brown Hotel
Hotel Services (over 201 rooms): Lydia Reedus, Embassy Suites Louisville Downtown
Hotel Services (under 200 rooms): Francisco Gonzalez, TownePlace Suites Louisville Downtown
Rising Star: Broyell Burris, Derby City Gaming & Hotel
Spirits: Will Jay, Evan Williams Bourbon Experience
Transportation & Tours: Roger Brocato, Kentucky Bourbon Boys

The Louisville Hotel Association sponsored the “Spirit of Hospitality” Award, recognizing an “overall service champion,” which was presented to Hanieh Mazaheri from the Omni Louisville Hotel. She received a $2,000 cash prize.

Each winner was greeted on stage by Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and Louisville Tourism President & CEO Cleo Battle. In addition to a cash prize American Express gift card, the “ROSE Award Winner” pin to wear and a beautiful custom glass award by local glass artist Casey Hyland that the 11 winners will receive, the Louisville tourism community also sponsored additional swag.

This includes a Single Barrel Bourbon bottle from Evan Williams, a bottle of Starlight Rosé from Huber Winery, a membership to KMAC Museum, passports to the Louisville Ale Trail, a stay at AJS Hotels, as well as a multitude of tickets to the Kentucky Science Center, Waterfront Botanical Gardens, the Falls of the Ohio, Five Iron Golf, Headliners Music Hall, a Lou City FC or Racing Louisville game, and a Louisville Palace or Mercury Ballroom performance.

The Dan Mangeot Lifetime Achievement Award is given to an individual who has made significant contributions to the advancement of tourism and has a history of supporting the hospitality industry throughout their professional lifetime. This year’s award was presented to David Snowden.

The Unity Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement by a local or national individual, business or organization in the promotion of unity within the hospitality industry, was posthumously awarded to Alan Rupp of Kern’s Kitchen, home of the famous Derby Pie ®. The award was accepted by Alan’s son Jon Rupp and extended family.

The Ambassador Awards were given to individuals who have significantly contributed to Louisville Tourism’s sales and service initiatives by helping to retain and bring convention business to Louisville. The 2024 recipients include the following:

Althea Jackson, Andrea Meriwether, Ashley Cuyjet-Fetter, Aukram Burton, Ben Moore, Brian West, Carlo Kellem, CheRonda Greenlee, Chip Sobel, Chris Hartman, Danielle Burbage, David Tandy Esq., Deveenier Brooks, Erica Bailey-Fraley, James Denny, Jasmine Causey, Jeff Crowe, Joseph Huff, Joshua Mckee, Keith Joy, Kendall Boyd, Kimberly Clay, Kimberly Woodall, Kristen Wallace, Lisa Gunterman, Matt Trueblood, Melissa Rift, Michael Gray, Mike Shouse, Nachand Trabue, Oremeyi Kareem, Shannon Wickel, Shawn Summerville, Stephanie Hillner, Susan Readnower, Tiandra Robinson, Tom Lally, and Waymen Eddings.

“It is my honor and privilege to publicly thank these hard-working hometown heroes whose dedication exemplifies true hospitality,” said Cleo Battle, Louisville Tourism President & CEO. “By creating a positive experience for our city’s guests, they continue to contribute to the success of Louisville’s hospitality industry.”

The travel and tourism industry is the third largest industry in Louisville, currently supporting nearly 70,000 jobs in the city area.

Sponsors of the event include Derby City Gaming, Louisville Palace, Republic National Distributing Company, Fleur de Lis Events & Design LLC, Crushed Ice Catering, Hatfield Media, and Louisville Hotel Association.