NEW YORK | The Greater New York Chapter of Hospitality Sales and Marketing International (HSMAI) is pleased to announce the 2008 recipients of the chapter’s annual awards recognizing the area’s hospitality industry leaders that display and share a passion for New York City, tourism, and the hospitality industry. The gala dinner and awards presentation was recently held at the celebrated Rainbow Room in New York City.

The chapter also acknowledged key individuals and organizations that have demonstrated excellence in their field and a strong contribution to New York City tourism. Mayor Michael Bloomberg was honored with the night’s prestigious 15th Annual Frank W. Berkman Tourism Achievement Award for his continuous commitment to growing and enhancing the city’s tourism. George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Company and chief architect of many of the successful initiatives set forth by the Mayor, accepted the award on the Mayor’s behalf. The Frank W. Berkman Tourism Achievement Award is named after a former executive vice president and chief operating officer of HSMAI, who is credited with establishing HSMAI as a highly influential international organization. In addition, OPEN Hospitality received the President’s Award, which is given by the chapter’s executive committee for organizational excellence in the industry and support of HSMAI.

“This year’s gala was a remarkable success that allowed our distinguished award recipients to shine,” remarked Donna Quadri-Felitti, NYU Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism and Sports Management; immediate past president of the Greater New York Chapter of HSMAI and organizer of the awards gala.

Brenda Fields, current president of the Greater New York Chapter of HSMAI added, “These individuals represent the Greater New York Chapter’s broad range of membership and the passion that lies within all of us to be effective leaders and role models in the hospitality and tourism industry.”

The Greater New York Chapter of HSMAI Awards presented the following awards:

• General Manager of the Year Award: Rudy Tauscher, general manager, Mandarin Oriental, New York
• Sales Professional of the Year: Diana Voto, national sales director, Disney Resort Destinations
• Marketing Executive of the Year: John Moser, chief marketing officer, Denihan Hospitality Group
• Operations Excellence Award: Mike Stengel, market vice president and area general manager, Marriott International
• Hospitality Professional of the Year: Merrie Davis, president and publisher, MVP, NY
• Revenue Management Professional of the Year: Kerry Mack, regional vice president of revenue management, Highgate Hotels
• E-Marketing Professional of the Year: Alex Zesch, director, interactive marketing and development, Affinia Hotels
• Hospitality Student of the Year Award: Dominique N. Kun, New York University

For more information regarding the Greater New York Chapter of HSMAI membership and more, please visit: www.hsmainyc.org or call 914.762.1456