The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority honored eight individuals who are making a difference in the city’s tourism industry
Hospitality workers in Charlotte gained spotlight this week when the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) recognized eight standouts at its 18th annual Partners in Tourism Awards. The honorees included a hotel director of sales who personally serves Snoop Dogg, a balloon artist with a growing small business, and a loss prevention officer committed to guest safety.
Leading the news was Erin Mobley-McMillan, director of sales at Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel, who was honored with an “Outstanding Ambassador” award. She has a 35-year history in entertainment hospitality and once handled Snoop Dogg as her very first client. When the rapper returned to Charlotte last year, he requested only Mobley-McMillan to deliver his breakfast. She often brings her Bichon Frise, Cash Money, to work, since he serves as a trained service dog for her husband, Chris.
CRVA recognized several other professionals. Riziki Mastaki of Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark also received an “Outstanding Ambassador” award for her attentive guest service. The “Unsung Hero” title went to Edgar Aguilar (cook at Charlotte Marriott Southpark), Kenya Golden (hub control center coordinator at American Airlines), and Antoine Sanders (loss prevention officer at Charlotte Marriott City Center). Paul Manley, who owns High Tide Hospitality, earned “Hospitality Professional of the Year.” Small Business of the Year went to Yanira Colon of Perfectly Wrapped Balloons. Meanwhile, the U.S. National Whitewater Center and CEO Jeff Wise collected the “Destination Impact Award” for attracting 1.4 million visitors and generating an estimated $270 million in local economic impact last year.
Two Big Headlines Worth Clicking:
- Scammers Prey on Charlotte’s Pet Owners—A New Low in ExploitationGrieving pet owners in Charlotte are under attack. 🐾 Uncover how scammers exploit emotions and learn how to protect yourself. 🚨 #PetSafety #CharlotteAlerts
- Duke Energy Names Harry Sideris CEO, Lynn Good to RetireBig changes at Duke Energy! ⚡ As Lynn Good retires, Harry Sideris steps in to lead the energy giant. Dive into the future of Charlotte’s energy sector. 🌍 #EnergyLeadership #CharlotteBusiness
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“Never write without a strong coffee in hand… or two.”
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