ACCOMMODATIONS
Katelynn Mills, River Rock Casino Resort
Some guests from Alberta had their car parked in the lot overnight, and the next morning, they noticed several electronic items disappeared. Among the items missing was a Tom Tom GPS device.
Mills found out that due to the missing GPS, the family was having difficulty heading home. Mills lent her own GPS to the Albertans for their trip home. They promised to send it back to her. She called them the next day to make sure they made it home safely.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
Todd Prucyk, River Rock Casino Resort
The night of the Roger Hodgson show, Prucyk was serving a family in Tramonto Restaurant. They were celebrating their son's 12th birthday. The boy was a big fan of Roger Hodgson, but because of his age, he wasn't able to attend the show.
While still serving his tables in the restaurant, Prucyk found time to go down to the theatre and get Hodgson to sign a back stage pass for the boy.
RETAIL AND SERVICE
Wendy Craig, Scotiabank, No. 3 Road
Wendy Craig is a tellers manager at the Scotiabank on No. 3 Road. Craig always goes out of her way to find a solution.
What is really nice about Craig is that she calls her customers by their names. She is friendly, professional and helpful and enjoys her work.
TRANSPORTATION
Bob Baksh, Sandmand Hotels This is the first time Tourism Richmond has a repeat winner.
Baksh also won this award for 2009.
Baksh noticed a woman stranded at the airport by another hotel shuttle for more than 90 minutes.
She had a small child with her. Baksh stopped and talked to the woman and then offered to transport her and her child back to their hotel.
Another nomination card reported Baksh was very professional, courteous and friendly.
SPIRIT AWARD
Delta Vancouver Airport Hotel The Tourism Spirit Award recognizes an individual or organization that has shown spirit in fostering tourism into Richmond.
A tragic event occurred in Richmond on October 27, 2011 when a Kelowna-bound airplane crashed at a busy intersection just short of the runway at Vancouver International Airport.
At the time of the crash, Shelley Civkin, who works at the Richmond Public Library, was heading home to Vancouver. The crash occurred directly in front of her filling the interior of her car with the overpowering smell of burning aviation fuel. She went to the Delta Vancouver Airport Hotel to try and regain some composure.
The way every member of the staff treated Civkin went far above and beyond the call of duty.
PARTNER AWARD
Lulu Island Winery The Tourism Partner Award is presented to an individual or organization in Richmond who has supported and strengthened the tourism industry through their initiatives. Whether it be co-op attendance at trade shows, joining Team Richmond initiatives in Asia or supplying its much sought after product as gifts, this company is always ready to partner.
In 2010, Lulu Island Winery's world famous ice wine won gold at the All Canadian Wine Championships.
The company is committed to tourism in Richmond, opening a state-of-the-art production facility on Westminster Highway and turned it into a tourist attraction.
Hundreds of visitors flock there monthly.
EXTRA MILE
Baljit Grewal, Days Inn Vancouver Airport
This award is chosen from the 12 monthly winners in 2011.
Grewal works in the breakfast area of the Days Inn Vancouver Airport.
A nomination card reported, "During our stay, everyone in our party of six made mention of what a hard worker she was. She greeted all guests with a cheerful good morning...
"She remembered guests' preferences and was proactive in their needs. I had read many reviews about the nice, helpful waffle lady prior to selecting this property. I now know they could only have been referring to Grewal.
"During the past year, I have stayed in more than 50 hotels and by far, she is the most courteous and productive employee I've observed.
"Please appreciate the service she is providing and helping guests remember Richmond on a positive note.
