PHOTOS: Stars Shine in Lakeville Hospitality Businesses

Editor's Note: The following is a press release from the Lakeville Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Congratulations to our four Hospitality Star Award winners who were recognized for their outstanding achievements by the Lakeville Area Chamber of Commerce & Convention and Visitors Bureau:

• Jessica Kremer, Holiday Inn Hotel & Suite—Star in Leadership

• Andrea Pickett-Nelson, Brackett’s Crossing Country Club—Excellence in Customer Service 

• Ignacio Vergara, Rudy’s Redeye Grill—Every Day Hero 

• Ryan Towle, Green Mill Restaurant—Rising Star 

The STAR awards are sponsored by the Lakeville Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) and are awarded each year to employees who excel in their line of hospitality work. Nominated by their employer, each application is evaluated for performance by the CVB Advisory Board of Directors.  The four named recipients were presented with a prestigious crystal star award during the Chamber of Commerce’s annual tourism Luncheon on May 14 where John Edman, Director of Explore Minnesota Tourism was the guest speaker. 

Jeanne Hutter, Director of the Lakeville CVB is very excited for these winners. “We are so proud of all four of these stars who deserve recognition for their dedication and talents! These awards are a celebration of our industry and the special people who serve in it. Hospitality employees can make or break your traveling experience and we are indebted to those great employees who give it their all.”  

Star in Leadership Award went to Jessica Kremer who has been employed at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites since pre-opening 2005 as a Catering and Sales Manager. Jamie Dahlen owner of the hotel says, “There are many long hours and days that run into each other at a hotel and Jessica is always happy to help in any area to insure success.  She is passionate about and creative in her job and it shows as she has dedicated the time and energy it takes to run a busy department working with so many different personalities and diverse events. The hotel does 60 weddings a year plus business meetings and Jessica manages a staff of 20 to keep up with the events.”  General Manager Mike Gunderson accepted the award in Jessica’s absence. 

Star in Customer Service Excellence was proudly accepted by Andrea Pickett-Nelson who is employed by and is a fixture at Brackett’s Crossing Country Club’s concierge desk. “She is a people person like no other with an uncanny knack to anticipate customer needs” says General Manager Steve Allen.  “Andrea is considerate, committed, genuine and always willing to go the extra mile to assist making an experience unforgettable. She is a trusted advisor to our members and guests.”  You may know Andrea as she is frequently seen pitching in to bus tables, carry trays, expedite food in the kitchen, work in the pro shop, etc.  Andrea is a board member of the National Concierge Association as well as any community organizations and school activities. 

Ignacio (Nacho) Vergara accepted his Every Day Hero award with a glowing smile.  He has been a hard-working and dedicated employee at Rudy’s Redeye Grill since opening in 2006. Owner Angela Thomas states “Nacho started as a line cook who immediately caught our attention and was promoted in months to supervisor due to his positive attitude, strong work ethic and loyalty to our family business. For the past 5 years he has been running the line and personally insuring that every plate is perfect and our guests are impressed. Nacho is like the light in the kitchen, his overall care and concern of the staff is simply amazing.“  Ignacio is now a kitchen manager in the evenings with a bright future.  As a bilingual employee, he is invaluable to both the restaurant and hotel. 

Rising Star Ryan Towle has been employed at Green Mill almost 4 years. Ashley MacDonald, General Manager of the restaurant, says “Ryan is loyal and hard-working employee with a positive attitude. He has worked his way up from a server to a bartender to a supervisor and is extremely knowledgeable of the restaurant and the community.  He is always ready to pitch in and help educate new hires, customers and other staff members.”