Last Wednesday night, a record number of people came out to celebrate Richmond's hospitality industry during the fifth annual Tourism Richmond Service Awards, held at the River Rock Casino Resort Theatre.
Nearly 400 attendees came out to the gala soirée, which honoured the front-line staff who go above and beyond the call of duty.
For the fourth year in a row, 95.3 Virgin Radio's morning show hosts, Nat Hunter and Drew Savage, were the emcees for the aviation-themed party, dubbed "Up Up and Away - Taking Service to New Heights."
"This is the Oscars of superior customer service awards," said the affable Hunter.
Each year, the awards ceremony attracts more and more guests and this year was no exception, proving that Richmondites are proud of the excellence in customer service.
"We are extremely proud of the achievements of the outstanding front-line staff who serve as shining examples of exceptional customer service within our community," said Ed Gavsie, director of visitor and partner services at tourism Richmond.
Prior to the ceremony, nominees and guests mingled during a reception featuring culinary delights by local restaurants such as The Delta Hotels, The Boathouse, CHOP's Steakhouse, Pier 73, Harold's Bistro and Bar and The Hotel at the River Rock.
The crowd also sipped on Pellar Estate wines and beer courtesy of the Turning Point Brewery.
After everyone was seated in the theatre, airplane leads and an RCMP guard escorted all of the nominees in all eight categories onto the stage.
Mayor Malcolm Brodie thanked the nominees for providing stellar service to guests of our city.
"If you get a bad experience, you remember it, but all too often good service goes unrecognized . I, for one, am grateful for what you do," said Brodie.
Keynote speaker, Mandy Farmer, president and CEO of Accent Inns, took to the podium and spoke passionately about the importance of customer service.
"I'm really excited to talk to like-minded people who get that excellence in customer service is the secret to happiness," said a passionate Farmer, who has won numerous awards, including Vancouver's Top 40 Under 40 and YMCA Woman of Distinction.
"When you've made someone else happy, it's an awesome feeling.
"I believe when you lead with your heart and you genuingly care for your customer there's a synergy that happens and it can only make your life happier."
In ending, Farmer said, "I congratulate all the nominees for raising the bar for everybody."
Every winner went home with a $100 gift card to Richmond Centre, a gift basket from the Boathouse Restaurant, dinner for two at Pajos Fish and Chips, a gift card to CHOP Steakhouse, Guylian chocolates and a Tourism Richmond plaque commemorating their achievement.
"The Tourism Richmond Service Awards recognize the achievements of our incredible front-line staff and highlight their vital importance in fulfilling Tourism Richmond's mandate," said Gavsie.
"Everyone benefits when employees exceed guest expectations as it not only leads to high customer satisfaction, customer loyalty and increased revenues, it ultimately increases tourism to the city which benefits everyone."
Gavsie went on to say: "We encourage all Richmond-based businesses to visibly display ballot boxes to make it easy for customers to nominate their employees."
Tracy Lakeman, CEO of tourism Richmond echoed Gavsie's sentiments and added: "A special congratulations to all the winners and the nominees for contributing to our tourism industry in Richmond so admirably."
For more information, visit Tourism Richmond website at www.tourismrichmond.com.
