Front-Line Staff Recognition: National Travel & Tourism Week
Front-line staff members in the tourism industry who demonstrates the true spirit of hospitality, customer satisfaction, and commitment to service deserve proper commendation. These remarkable individuals surpass the standard job requirements to elevate the guest experience, thereby enriching the overall Laurel Highlands destination experience.
60 Minute Missions Escape Room Team
Morgan Conty, Kylie Diener, Jordan Gilbert, Jeremy Klingensmith, Nicole Kondrich, Lauren Kasmer
All six team members serve as keyholders at the escape room, entrusted with unsupervised operations due to their responsibility, engagement, and commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences. They not only support each other during and after shifts but also coach, train, and mentor new hires to prioritize customer satisfaction. Their personalized approach, ability to read a room, and knack for building rapport ensure memorable experiences for customers, many of whom become "regulars" known by name or memorable stories. This dedication to personal connections is integral to the positive reviews and mentions they receive.
Robert and Melissa Angelini
Hartzell House B&B
Robert and Melissa, the proprietors of the 5-star Hartzell House B&B, have elevated it to new heights of excellence. Not only are they exceptional ambassadors for the Laurel Highlands, but they also extend support and kindness to competitors, neighbors, and the entire community. Their commitment to guest satisfaction knows no bounds; they spare no effort to ensure each guest enjoys a fabulous experience. Whether it's picking up an extra surprise for a special occasion or providing extra assistance, they always go the extra mile to make everyone feel truly at home. Their culinary skills are unmatched in Somerset County, leaving guests raving about their experience at the Hartzell House and in the Laurel Highlands upon departure.
Siobhan Auger
Tissue Farm & Park Square Market - Manager
Siobhan is a standout manager at Park Square Market and Tissue Farm, embodying dedication and leadership. Her punctuality and meticulous attention to detail ensure seamless operations, while her proactive approach and foresight contribute greatly to success. She anticipates needs, coordinates tasks effectively, and fosters a positive environment. Siobhan's inspiring work ethic and genuine care for her team consistently exceeds expectations and elevates service quality in the Laurel Highlands.
Deer Creek Winery & Watson Estate BnB Team
Leslie Pavlik, Amy Tobak, Ashley Winkler, Tonya Dice, and Jenna Felio
The staff at Deer Creek Winery, small though mighty, prioritize creating Legendary Moments with their guests by taking the time to listen, provide attention, and offer the personal touch that many may be missing in their daily lives. they don't rush their guests; instead, actively seek opportunities to make their experiences truly memorable.
Zoe Fox
Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground - Office Manager
Zoe ALWAYS comes to work with a smile and a tremendously positive attitude, even when dealing with unhappy campers :) Her unwavering dedication during the challenging winter months on the mountain shines through as she manages the office and braves snow-covered roads to assist wherever needed. Her transparent communication keeps the team informed, while her kindness and consideration uplift everyone around her. Zoe's consistently positive attitude, empathetic nature, and belief in treating others with respect set a standard for the team. She reminds all of us to treat people the way that you'd want to be treated and to let tough situations roll off your back. Her energy and enthusiasm contribute to making Benner's a standout campground destination, enhancing the experience for visitors to Ohiopyle and Fallingwater.
Bradford Gordon
Band of Brother Shakespeare Company - Producer/President
Time, talent, and tenacity. Bradford has created and produced Shakespeare in a 277-acre Stackhouse Park for 32 years in a labor of love. His creative leadership drives the excellence of our company, as he tirelessly dedicates himself to every aspect of production, from dawn till near midnight. A perfectionist in design, he refines each element of the performance, yet remains modest in his remarkable achievements, always prioritizing the success of the show over personal acclaim.
Jim Greenbaum
White Water Adventures - General Manager
Jim consistently prioritizes customer satisfaction, he goes above and beyond daily, ensuring that customers are always put first. He fosters a familial atmosphere among employees, prioritizing both fun and education, both on and off the river. Jim's dedication ensures that every customer leaves with a positive experience, eager to return to Ohiopyle for more adventure.
Irwin Business & Professional Association
Eva Williams, Carl Stillitano, Amanda Morrison, Michael Pochan, and Ed Sam
Staff with roots from Irwin actively promote all the yearly events downtown. Irwin Business & Professional Association trademarked the phrase "Irwin, The Biggest Little Town in Pennsylvania" (tm). Their commitment extends to serving all the people who come to Irwin, ensuring they have a memorable experience in a vibrant community.
Clay Mankamyer
Remember Me Rose Garden, Inc. - President
Clay's dedication to honoring the heroes of Flight 93 spans over two decades, marked by his early response to the tragedy and subsequent leadership roles. For 17 years, he served as a lead Ambassador at the Flight 93 National Memorial before spearheading the development and operation of the Remember Me Rose Garden. Despite his significant contributions, Clay remains humble, never seeking attention and always praising the efforts of others. He is widely respected throughout Shanksville and Somerset for his selfless service, which includes mentoring volunteers and donors of all ages. From simple acts like cutting a rose to hand to a visitor, to speaking in front of congregations about the "beauty from ashes" that can spring from even the worst of circumstances, Clay motivates and inspires in countless ways -- both great and small.
Beth Meininger
Fernwalk Cottage - Owner
Beth's investments in her properties not only benefit her own business but also contribute to the growth of the community. By improving the appearance and amenities of her properties, she attracts more tourists and encourages partnerships with local businesses. This not only boosts tourism in the Laurel Highlands but also supports the local economy and provides job opportunities for residents. Through her efforts, Beth is not only a successful business owner but also a valuable contributor to the community. Her dedication extends beyond her own ventures; she's always available with a wealth of information about the Laurel Highlands for guests and continually lends a helping hand to other businesses in the area.
Michele Mignerey
Crooked Creek Distillery - Tasting Room Manager & Senior Mixologist
Michele has willingly stepped into numerous new roles over the past couple of years, demonstrating leadership and taking on responsibilities that have made her an essential keystone for our organization. She ensures that our staff are 100% focused on delighting our customers, fostering an environment where they are treated not just as guests, but as family. Her dedication extends to training and understanding customer preferences, ensuring our recommendations align with their tastes and preferences. Michele also emphasizes the value of building long-term relationships, never compromising quality or integrity for the sake of a sale. Her mentorship ensures that interactions, moments, and products consistently exceed expectations. Moreover, Michele's ability to build a cohesive team has resulted in staff longevity, fostering success for all involved.
Josh Myers
Lodge at Chalk Hill - General Manager
Since his first day, Josh has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication to making Lodge at Chalk Hill shine. He tackles any task with enthusiasm, from assisting housekeeping and contractors to driving for supplies and training new employees. In winter, he ensures safety by plowing snow and clearing pathways. Josh also handles administrative duties, ensuring payroll and tasks are completed accurately. He goes above and beyond for guests, accommodating their needs and staging rooms for social media. By actively seeking and implementing improvements, Josh's initiative and welcoming demeanor greatly enhance the guest experience and earn appreciation from both owners and visitors to the Laurel Highlands.
Miranda Novak
Brady's Restaurant - Server
Miranda, a dedicated member of the Brady's Restaurant Team for over a decade, embodies exemplary leadership and hospitality. She trains new servers with the same caring approach she brings to her work daily. Always ready to lend a hand, Miranda has filled every position in the restaurant, recently stepping in to prepare omelettes on weekends when needed. Her commitment to teamwork and hospitality has not only nurtured new workers but also greatly benefited the team. Miranda's dedication to customer service extends beyond expectations, as she builds lasting relationships with community members and volunteers to accommodate tour buses, ensuring every guest's experience in the Laurel Highlands is exceptional.
Spencer Pfrogner
Fort Ligonier - Visitor Services Associate/Guide
Spencer is often the first person a visitor encounters when he is working the admissions desk. He warmly welcomes visitors and immediately thanks them for visiting the Fort. His knowledge and passion for history shines through in a warm and engaging manner as he assists visitors with their Fort Ligonier experience. He is also a wonderful concierge and helps visitors find places to eat and other places to visit in Ligonier and throughout the region. He often uses the GO LH Destination Guide map to explain to visitors other sites they should visit. Spencer is an awesome guide and period interpreter (dresses in colonial garb) who appeals to all age levels and interests. He brings Fort Ligonier’s history to life in an interesting and authentic way.
Wendy Reed
Own Brook Winery - Tasting Room Staff
Wendy is the reliable backbone of our team, ever-ready to lend a hand wherever it's needed. Her positive attitude shines through in her interactions with customers, as she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure they have an amazing experience during their visit.
Keith Welch
Tall Pines Distillery - owner/maintenance/ greeter/ problem solver
Keith Welch, the owner of Tall Pines Distillery, is the heart of soul of the business, from designing and building equipment to maintaining the grounds and selling products. He embodies hospitality, ensuring every visitor feels welcome and valued. Keith's problem-solving skills and positive demeanor make even the most stressful times bearable. His genuine interest in people is evident in his ability to remember their stories and make them feel like friends. Through his motto "Come as a stranger, leave as a friend," Keith has cultivated a loyal customer base, including repeat guests from around the world. He goes above and beyond to help others, whether it's buying boots for a stranger in Nashville or simply making customers feel at home in the distillery. Keith's dedication to customer service has not only contributed to the success of Tall Pines but also served as a valuable example for his sons. He understands that customer satisfaction is essential for business success and prioritizes it above all else.