Settlers Honored as One of PMVB Tourism Heroes

Pocono Mountains Tourism Achievement Award winners were honored by the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB) at a special luncheon, sponsored by Right Reason Technologies, during the annual Pocono Mountains Tourism Day event at The Inn at Pocono Manor, Pocono Manor.

Representatives of the local tourism industry gathered to recognize industry employees, along with member properties, for strides in customer service and community involvement. Awards were given to individuals for Brand Hero, Lifetime Achievement and Outstanding Tourism Employee of the Year. PMVB Member Properties were also presented the Community Service Award, Green Award and Brand Champion Awards.

“Congratulations to Tara Wilson of The French Manor and Amy Gryn of Split Rock Resort & Golf Club for the Brand Hero Awards; Donna Smith of Bushkill Falls for the Lifetime Achievement Award; and Rob Howell of The Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort for the Outstanding Tourism Employee of the Year Award; the Hampton Inn Lehighton and Great Wolf Lodge for the Community Service Award; The Settlers Inn for the Green Award; and Split Rock Resort & Golf Club for the Brand Champion Award,” PMVB Officials said.

Green Award

The Pocono Mountains Green Award was awarded to The Settlers Inn in Hawley, as a facility that demonstrates environmental stewardship through their operations, programs and services. The Settlers Inn has utilized programs and practices that conserve energy water and waste for the past ten years.

A member of the Green Hotels Association, Settlers also uses locally grown, organic produce in their restaurant.

Wilson

Tara Wilson was awarded the Brand Hero Award for her service as restaurant manager of The French Manor for the past eight years. She consistently goes above the call of duty to make each guest feel special. She has shown exemplary skills when in contact with guests and serves as Brand Ambassador for The French Manor and for the entire Pocono Mountains region. In addition, Wilson has completed both the Pocono Mountains Promise and the Treasure Hunt.

Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to an individual with over twenty years of experience. Donna Smith, general manager for Bushkill Falls, has been not only a tremendous asset to Bushkill Falls, but also a dedicated individual with a remarkable 39 years of service to the popular regional attraction.

In her tenure, well over 4 million people have visited Bushkill Falls. Her selfless dedication has created an indelible positive impression on the Pocono Mountains.

Brand Hero Award   

Brand Hero Award winner, Amy Gryn, Front Office Supervisor of Split Rock Resort was recognized for her successful launch of the Brand Enculturation Training Program to the entire staff at Split Rock, which encompasses 325. Her enthusiasm and commitment to guest service is unparalleled and she consistently delivers the Pocono Mountains Brand. Gryn has also completed both the Pocono Mountains Promise and the Treasure Hunt.

Employee of the Year Award

As General Manager of Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, Rob Howell was awarded Outstanding Tourism Employee of the Year. His impact is measured in the success of the resort, his ability to generate repeat business and create memorable guest experiences. He has increased revenue while improving operations. Howell is a tribute to the Pocono Mountains Brand and is a stand-out throughout the industry.

As a tribute to his achievements, Howell was also a nominee for the Pennsylvania Tourism and Lodging Association’s General Manager of the Year Award.

Hampton Inn Lehighton

Hampton Inn in Lehighton is being awarded and recognized for their community contributions that not only include blood drives and the adoption of a Butterfly Sanctuary at Beltzville State Park but others to Carbon County as well. Their fundraising efforts are impressive with gifts to the Susan D. Komen's Breast Cancer Awareness, March of Dimes and Toys for Tots as well as other national charities.

Great Wolf Lodge

PA Girl Scouts of America, Central Pocono Ambulance and the Pocono Area Recreation Commission are among a list of benefactors from Great Wolf Lodge’s commitment to community service. Gifts included a new ball field, a new ambulance, over $80,000 in room night gift certificates given to local charities and school organizations for fundraisers and over $180,000 to the Monroe County United Way. Great Wolf also raised over $21,000 for St. Judes Childrens Hospital during the BG US Challenge held this past year in the Pocono Mountains.

Brand Champion Award

Split Rock Resort & Golf Club in Lake Harmony has received the Brand Champion Award for achieving the highest participation in the Pocono Mountains Brand Enculturation Training Program. They are currently standing at 98 percent of staff having completed the Pocono Mountains Promise and 97 percent have completed the Pocono Mountains Treasure Hunt. This translates to a total of 318 certified Pocono Mountains Brand Ambassadors.

This awards program was presented by the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau to recognize those in the local tourism industry who do more than expected to provide an exceptional experience for guests, fellow employees and the community.

Comprehensive Pocono Mountains visitor information is available online at www.800poconos.com or by phone at 800-POCONOS (800-762-6667). The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for the four counties of Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne in northeastern Pennsylvania.