Hospitality workers honored for their professionalism in downtown Jacksonville

Top performers in Northeast Florida’s hospitality industry were honored in downtown Jacksonville Wednesday night.

The 17th Annual Recognition of Service Excellence (ROSE) awards were bestowed by the Northeast Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA). The event was sold out and took place at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront hotel.

More than 500 people attended the event and 149 hospitality professionals from 45 different businesses were nominated for the awards. Some 33 team members were presented honors.

“At its heart, hospitality is about people taking care of people, and the ROSE Awards give us a chance to shine a light on the individuals who make that happen every single day,” said Nicole Chapman, Northeast Florida FRLA Regional Director and the event’s creator and organizer. “These honorees represent the warmth, professionalism, and pride that define our region’s visitor experience and keep guests returning year after year.”

The ROSE awards have become the hallmark event for hospitality professionals on the First Coast for more than a decade.

“Seeing hundreds of industry partners come together to celebrate frontline team members sends a powerful message – service excellence matters, and it deserves recognition,” said Carol Dover, President and  CEO of the FRLA.

Some of the key ROSE award winners include:

— Administrative Assistant: Beatriz Aten, Marriott Jacksonville Downtown.

— Allied Member Spotlight: Teri Scott, St. Johns Food Service.

— Banquets: Trace McCrory, Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village.

— Hotel Bartender: Heather Davis, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.

— Restaurant Bartender: Marc Hartley, Colonial Quarter.

— Behind The Scenes: Laurel Howell, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.

— Culinary Service hotel  Chef/Cook: Latoya Harden, Hyatt Regency Jacksonville.

— Culinary Service restaurant Chef/Cook: Andrew Shierling, Meehan’s Irish Pub.

— Customer Service for Concierge, Recreation, Spa: Lauren Murkerson, One Ocean Resort & Spa.

— Customer Service in Event Services: Kerry Weatherhead, Visit Jacksonville.