It is that time of year when Richmond's hardworking businesses and individuals are lauded for superior customer service.
On Wednesday, May 15, Tourism Richmond's Fifth Annual Service Awards salutes the crème de la crème amongst us who exemplify the best in customer service.
Recently, judges for the awards ceremony chose 18 finalists from a large pool of deserving employees.
"This gala is a fantastic opportunity for Richmond businesses to publicly reward and recognize dedicated staff while uniting as a community towards a common goal - to continue to raise the bar on service excellence in Richmond," said Ed Gavsie, director of Visitor and Partner Services at Tourism Richmond.
"A caring, helpful nature and a dedication to go the extra mile ultimately benefit both local Richmond residents and our visitors from around the world."
Tegan Farrell, who sits on the Tourism Richmond Service Awards committee, agrees.
"It's a good community spirit event that takes the time to recognize employees who are doing an excellent job; something we don't do enough of," said Farrell, who is the outlets manager at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel.
"The awards ceremony boosts morale, both for employees and the community at large.
"It's in everyone's best interest to promote excellence in the hospitality and tourism industries."
In addition to the five categories - Accommodations, Attractions, Food and Beverage, Retail and Service, and Transportation and Travel - Tourism Richmond showcases three more award categories: Tourism Spirit, Tourism Partner and Extra Mile.
The annual Extra Mile Award is presented to one of the 2012 Monthly Extra Mile Award winners. Gavsie added that Tourism Richmond presents an Extra Mile Award each month and one of those individuals will be crowned number one during the gala soiree.
"Many of the winners have been recommended by visitors to our city," added Farrell. "You tend to hear negative comments instead of positive ones, so this gala creates excitement and makes employees take pride in their work.
"It also creates healthy competition in the workplace, making the awards event a win/win situation for all."
Besides receiving a commemorative plaque, each winner will also receive gift certificates to Richmond Centre, Pajo's and The Boathouse Richmond.
Once again, Nat and Drew of Virgin Radio 95.3 will lend their comedic talents to the event as emcees.
The Tourism Richmond's Fifth Annual Service Awards takes place from 5: 30 to 8: 30 p.m. at the River Rock Casino Resort, 8811 River Rd.
Tickets for this gala event are $15 per person and include cabaret-style entertainment, drinks, a wide assortment of hors d'oeuvres from some of the city's top restaurants, as well as some great prize draws. Richmondites are encouraged to come out and support local employees who help make this city one that visitors and locals' alike feel welcomed in.
For tickets to this year's Service Awards, please contact Member and Partner Services specialist Roberta Mercer at 604-821-5478 or rmercer@ tourismrichmond.com.
Here are the nominees in each category:
Accommodations:
Manjinder Gill, Delta Vancouver Airport Hotel; Sheena Brooks, Accent Inns Vancouver Airport Hotel; Kevin Cohen, River Rock Casino Resort.
Attractions:
Mike Mead, River Rock Casino Resort; Linda Gordon, River Rock Casino Resort; Ray Rulton, River Rock Casino Resort.
Food and Beverage:
Kristy Krull, Harold's Bistro & Bar at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel; Chris Lam, Starbucks, Chapters at Ackroyd Road; Bill Lymberopoulos, Monterey Greek Taverna.
Retail and Service:
Helen Malik, Hudson's Bay Company - Richmond Centre; Andrea Divecha, Hudson's Bay Company - Richmond Centre; Emi Higuchi, Richmond Centre Customer Service.
Transportation and Travel:
Maggie Lee, Budget Rent a Car - Richmond; Jeanne Karcz, Harbour Air; Cindy Banton, Harbour Air; Madelyn Turqueza, Marquise at YVR.
