Visit Lebanon Valley Holds Second Annual Hospitality Star Awards
Lebanon, Pa. On Thursday, May 9, 2024, Visit Lebanon Valley hosted their second annual Hospitality Star Awards Ceremony at the St. James Players Theatre in the Lebanon Valley Mall. The ceremony honored ten individuals for their exemplary customer service and representation of the Lebanon Valley. Nominated by either employers or clients, the award recipients represented a wide cross-section of the hospitality industry.
“The individuals highlighted at this ceremony have an exceptional commitment to customer service that not only encourages people to return to the Valley, but that helps our businesses and communities to flourish as well,” says Jennifer Kuzo, president of Visit Lebanon Valley.
Visitor spending in Lebanon County totaled $296.4 million in 2022 according to the most recent Tourism Economic Report from the Pa. Office of Tourism. That includes spending on lodging, retail, recreation, food and beverage and other tourism-related activities. “This figure is up 12% from the 2021 report for Lebanon County and clearly shows that tourism is a significant economic driver that injects millions of dollars into our economy every year,” says Kuzo.
Award recipients included Karen Barnhart of Kenbrook Bible Camp, Christy Barzona of Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, Becky Briody of Chef on the Go, Ryan Fretz of Ryan Fretz Arts, Cory Hughes of Sinkhole Saloon & Grille, Jamie LaFleur of Lebanon Valley Craft Brewery, Antonio Lambakis of Buddy’s Breakfast & Lunch, Dwayne Spencer of Timeless Café, Michael Weber of Cornwall Iron Furnace and Chef Brian Peffley and his pastry arts students from the Lebanon County Career & Technology Center.
By celebrating hospitality stars in the community, Visit Lebanon Valley hopes to honor the significant economic impact and improved well-being that results from travel and tourism in the Lebanon Valley.
About Visit Lebanon Valley
Visit Lebanon Valley is the official tourism office for Lebanon County, promoting visitor travel while highlighting the Lebanon Valley’s unique attractions and local businesses. From exploring the expansive outdoors, to discovering well-preserved historic architecture, to enjoying fresh produce from roadside stands, Visit Lebanon Valley shares all the appeal that makes this area truly special for visitors and locals.
To learn more visit www.VisitLebanonValley.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 13 MAY, 2024
Contact: Darby Seymour
Email: dseymour@visitlebanonvalley.com
Office: 717-277-0100
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