Outstanding individuals in the local tourism industry were recognized tonight at the Excellence in Hospitality Awards, an event organized by Visit Shreveport-Bossier. The event was hosted at Horseshoe Bossier Casino and Hotel at 6:00 p.m.
“The hospitality industry is the heartbeat of tourism. When people come to Shreveport-Bossier, they’re going to remember the valet who flashed them the first big smile. The bartender, who was personable and went the extra mile, made their dinner experience unforgettable. All the front desk personnel, housekeeping professionals, local attractions, business owners, and event planners are the reason visitors will return to Shreveport-Bossier,” said Stacy Brown, president & CEO of Visit Shreveport-Bossier. “People come to Northwest Louisiana for the southern hospitality, and they leave feeling like part of a family thanks to all the individuals who were here tonight.”
Louisiana Lieutenant Governor, Billy Nungesser, sent a message to those in the audience as he was unable to attend:
“I’m told all over the world, when people come to Louisiana, they meet a friend for life, and they leave with that warm and fuzzy feeling and it’s you the people in this industry that make those visitors feel welcome that they keep coming time and time again,” said Nungesser. “Those record numbers in tourism, it’s because of you. It’s because of the way you treat people. So, congratulations to the winners, but thank all of you for always being so passionate about your job.”
The winners of the 2024 Excellence in Hospitality Awards are as follows:
OUTSTANDING ATTRACTION
Shreveport Aquarium
OUTSTANDING CATERING PROFESSIONAL
Ashley Norton-Hebert with Superior’s Steakhouse
OUTSTANDING BANQUET PROFESSIONAL
Trina Wright with Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino
OUTSTANDING BARTENDER – RESTAURANT
Brayden Hermes with BeauxJax Crafthouse
OUTSTANDING BARTENDER – HOTEL/CASINO
Michael Bamberg with Hilton Garden Inn & Homewood Suites Bossier
OUTSTANDING CASINO FLOOR PROFESSIONAL
Earnestine Simmons with Horseshoe Casino
OUTSTANDING CULINARY PROFESSIONAL/CHEF
Chef Hardette Harris with Us Up North, Celebrating North Louisiana Cuisine
OUTSTANDING EVENT
Day of the Dead Festival
OUTSTANDING EVENT VENUE
Hurricane Alley LIVE
OUTSTANDING FOOD SERVER – RESTAURANT
Carlton Barrett with Chianti Restaurant
OUTSTANDING FOOD SERVER – HOTEL/CASINO
Sharon Taylor with Louisiana Downs Racetrack & Casino
OUTSTANDING FRONT DESK PROFESSIONAL
Margarita Royal w/ Hilton Garden Inn & Homewood Suites Bossier
OUTSTANDING GUEST SERVICE PROFESSIONAL
Ryan Gullatt with Horseshoe Casino
OUTSTANDING HOTEL SALES PROFESSIONAL – SINGLE LOCATION
Lauren Knicely with the Hilton Shreveport
OUTSTANDING HOTEL SALES PROFESSIONAL – MULTI-LOCATION
Joanna Folse Alexander with Sunrise Hospitality
NON-CASINO OUTSTANDING HOUSEKEEPING PROFESSIONAL
Janice Harris with Holiday Inn Express Park Plaza
CASINO OUTSTANDING HOUSEKEEPING PROFESSIONAL
Zawaunyka “Zoe” Washington with The Service Companies
OUTSTANDING TRANSPORTATION/VALET PROFESSIONAL
Virginia Howard with the Horseshoe Casino
OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER
Tamara Crane
OUTSTANDING EXECUTIVE
Andrea Butler with Louisiana Downs Racetrack & Casino
DEPARTMENT AWARDS
COMMUNICATIONS
2024 FOODIE FAVES
- Chef Chapeaux Chapman – Orlandeaux’s Café
- Chef Anthony and Amanda Felan – Fat Calf Brasserie
2024 CREATIVE COLLABORATOR
- Chris Dean – KSLA
2024 ATTRACTION ALLSTAR
- Ami Powers Sci-Port Discovery Center
CONVENTIONS
SPIRIT OF HOSPITALITY AWARD
- Ted and Tonya Hofmeister
TOUR AND TRAVEL PARTNER OF THE YEAR
- Bonne Summers
- Dr. Cheryl White
- Johnny Wessler
- Liz Swaine
- Winston Hall
CATERING PARTNER OF THE YEAR
- Chefs Antonio & Besheka McCoy-Harris
SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER SPORTS COMMISSION
PARTNER OF THE YEAR
- Gulf Coast Athletic Conference
SPONSOR OF THE YEAR
- Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
- William Bedford
PINEAPPLE AWARD
The Pineapple Awards — are presented to individuals and organizations who have spent their careers promoting Shreveport-Bossier to visitors and locals alike.
- Kathleen Elliott with Louisiana Downs Racetrack & Casino
- Ruth Hunter, Finance Director at Visit Shreveport-Bossier
TRAIL BLAZER AWARD
The Trailblazer of the Year Award celebrates pioneers in their field who lead with courage and innovation, setting new standards for excellence.
- Curtis Elkins, Pyromania Fireworks, LLC