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Each nominee for the Hospitality Service Award of Distinction is an individual front-line customer service staff member who consistently provides exceptional service to visitors to Dutchess County to help them have an outstanding experience. Join Dutchess Tourism in celebrating all the honorees at the 11th annual Dutchess Tourism Awards of Distinction on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at The Henry A. Wallace Center at the FDR Presidential Library and Home in Hyde Park. Read more about the event and purchase tickets here.
Read on to learn more about each Hospitality Service Award of Distinction finalist.
Cheryl Brown, Hampton Inn Fishkill: Making our guests happy, so that they choose our property to stay at while in the area.
Mary M. Hackett, The Inn at Bellefield: I really enjoy meeting new people every day. It's amazing to make friends with wonderful individuals from all over the world just by doing what I love. It's rewarding to see their appreciation when I help guide them in the right direction, whether it's recommending a great local restaurant or a charming town for shopping. When they come back and share how wonderful their experience was, it's truly inspiring. Also, being part of the Inn at Bellefield, located in a historic town that I proudly call my hometown, is a special experience. Being part of the original opening team and witnessing the future developments at the Bellefield property is incredibly exciting!
Joey Caster, Shadows on the Hudson: I have a passion for food and wine, but I also believe restaurants play important roles in the communities they find themselves in. Many memories are made out of eating with friends and family. Special occasions are celebrated with us. There are tons of fantastic dining options in the Hudson Valley so when our guests choose to dine with us, I feel lucky and have a duty to make their experience one to remember. I think being one of the players in the restaurant industry and playing this role in the community is what inspires me.
Cheryl Brown, Hampton Inn Fishkill: To have more exciting attractions for all ages that people would travel from all over to visit.
Mary M. Hackett, The Inn at Bellefield: What's not to love about the beautiful Hudson River Valley? Why would you want to visit anywhere else but Dutchess County? I was born and raised in Hyde Park, so being able to share my knowledge of the area definitely helps travelers and visitors. Encouraging your guests to come back, not just to The Inn at Bellefield, but to see the surrounding area is important! There are so many wonderful sites to see and experience, it all just cannot be done in one weekend. From the vineyards, wineries, and restaurants, to all of the unique local businesses in our area, they are the foundation of Dutchess County and should be supported within the community.
Joey Caster, Shadows on the Hudson: My hopes for future travel in Dutchess County is for the growth to continue. We are lucky enough to live and work in the Hudson Valley and have the opportunity to continue to provide memorable experiences for those who choose to tour our beautiful region. There is no reason why the Hudson Valley and Dutchess County cannot continue to build on the tourism growth we have experienced these past few years.
Cheryl Brown, Hampton Inn Fishkill: That sometimes things get hard, but you just have to remember that hard times don't last always. There are brighter days to come.
Mary M. Hackett, The Inn at Bellefield: Being patient, kind, and attentive to people is crucial in the hospitality industry. A warm welcoming smile also goes a long way, too! I've noticed that face-to-face interaction is becoming less common, but I embrace it and enjoy talking to our guests to learn about what brings them to the area. It's fascinating to discover how much we have in common with others just by having a conversation. I believe that people come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime, and I've encountered so many kindhearted individuals during my nine months working at the Inn at Bellefield. It has been truly rewarding.
Joey Caster, Shadows on the Hudson: Change is always happening. You have to be willing and able to adapt to the changes that come your way. Always be prepared to learn something new.
Cheryl Brown, Hampton Inn Fishkill: To enjoy your job. You have the opportunity to meet wonderful people from all walks of life from near and far.
Mary M. Hackett, The Inn at Bellefield: Go for it! You will love it! I have so much fun and really enjoy what I do. In the hospitality and tourism industry, you can help support the small business community. In turn, you can make lifelong friendships and business relationships. I believe networking is a huge part of the success of the local business community, and the connections you make could potentially last a lifetime.
Joey Caster, Shadows on the Hudson: Hospitality plays a huge role in how we can continue to succeed and grow in the tourism industry. I’m sure anyone can think of one of their favorite tourism experiences outside of the Hudson Valley and recall an experience in which they felt welcomed and taken care of. My advice would be to remember that how we make people feel when they visit us in Dutchess County is just as important if not the most important part of their experience.
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