Press Release

GRCVB Honors Four for Service and Leadership in Local Visitor Industry

Media Contact: Martin Armes; (919) 645-2654; marmes@visitraleigh.com

RALEIGH, N.C. – The Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau has given three Isaac Hunter Excellence in Service Awards to honor those exemplary individuals who continue the tradition of Hunter for far exceeding normal expectations to provide excellent service to visitors and residents alike.  In fact, the recipients are among more than 17,000 Wake County people employed in the visitor industry (which also provides one in eight jobs nationally).

Of note, the hospitality of a tavern owner is largely responsible for the location of the North Carolina state capital.  In 1769, Isaac Hunter opened a tavern near Crabtree Creek.  The tavern became so popular, that the state's General Assembly Capital Site Selection commission required that the seat of state government be located within 10 miles of the tavern.

This year, the Bureau honored outstanding front-line individuals in the following three categories:

Accommodations - Nelson Amador, Bellman, Hilton North Raleigh

 

Dining - Margaret Perry, Head Cashier, State Farmer's Market Restaurant

Attractions - Irene Lejman, Volunteer, North Carolina Museum of Art

The Horizon Award recognized exemplary attitude and professionalism of a mid-management level employee who demonstrates the skills to be a future leader in the hospitality industry. The 2007 recipient is Craig Spitzer, Director of Hospitality Operations and Development, Empire Properties

The Greater Raleigh Convention & Visitors Bureau, as the official destination marketing organization of Raleigh and Wake County, accelerates sustainable economic growth and development by increasing visitor and convention business. Through its website, VisitRaleigh.com and other tools, the GRCVB assists local visitors in a variety of ways.