Central Florida Association Recognizes Hotel Employees

. October 14, 2008

ORLANDO, FL, January 30, 2006. Thursday, January 26, 2006, at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association held its annual Employee Recognition Awards celebration. This "Academy Awards" style dinner recognized hotel employees of the year, in 12 different categories (Administrative, Bell Person/Concierge, Community Services, Convention Center/Banquet, Culinary, Engineering, Food & Beverage, Front Office, Housekeeping, Laundry, Recreational, and Security).

Over 150 nominations were received by CFHLA and each nominee was invited to attend an exclusive pre-dinner VIP reception featuring Orange County Mayor and Mrs. Richard T. Crotty. Mayor Crotty and his wife Pam, greeted nominees and took individual photos with them.

Following the reception, Mayor Crotty escorted the nominees down a "Red Carpet" into the ballroom. Over 350 guests attending the dinner stood along the perimeter of the red carpet, applauding and taking photos of the nominees as they walked into the ballroom.

The dinner program began with Mayor Crotty reading the Orange County Proclamation and presenting a congratulatory toast to all the employees. Additionally, during the program, CFHLA offered $1,000 scholarships to five students, who are related to an employee of a CFHLA member hotel. The 2005 CFHLA Family Member Scholarship winners are: Francisco Cruz who attends the International Academy of Design and Technology (son of Irma Gonzalez of the Orlando World Center Marriott); Andrea Green who attends Valencia Community College (daughter of Joanna Randolph of the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress); Jennifer Miller who attends the University of Central Florida (niece of David Scarnato of the Sheraton Safari Hotel); Erika Rivera who attends Valencia Community College (daughter of Julio Rivera of the Orlando World Center Marriott); and Amy Sierra who attends Lake Sumter Community College (daughter of Terri Bolin of the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress).

"The CFHLA membership was excited about putting together this event. It's an opportunity for our industry to recognize and celebrate the great work of its exemplary employees. The family scholarship component also compliments our evening's celebration," said Richard Maladecki, President of CFHLA.

ELAINE HOFFAR

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress

2005 Administrative Employee of the Year

JOSEPH SANCHEZ

JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes

2005 Community Service Employee of the Year

ENOCK LAVEUS

Best Western Lakeside

2005 Culinary Employee of the Year

MARIO PALZA

Orlando Marriott Downtown

2005 Food & Beverage Service Employee of the Year