HFTP Seeking Nominations for Paragon Award

AUSTIN, TEXAS, USA | Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) is currently accepting nominations for the prestigious Paragon Award, which recognizes individuals who have made a significant and lasting contribution to both HFTP and the hospitality industry. Since 1999, 11 people have been recognized with a Paragon Award, and continuing with the tradition, HFTP honors this year’s winner(s) at the 2008 Annual Convention & Tradeshow in Nashville, Tenn. Applications are due to the HFTP office by August 4.

“HFTP members are the backbone of this association," said Anna McFarland, CPA, CFE, CHAE, CHTP, HFTP global president, chair of the Paragon Award council and vice president of finance and management reporting for Sofitel Luxury Hotels North America. “It is important to recognize those members who have given their time and talent towards the development of the association, as well as creating a legacy in the hospitality industry.”

Past winners include Alice Banks, CHAE (1999); Henry "Buddy" Weeks, CHAE (1999); Frank Santos, CHAE, CHA (2000); Katherine Cavanagh, CHAE (2001); Raymond Schmidgall, Ph.D., CPA, CHAE (2002); Frank Wolfe, CAE (2002); Len Bartello, CPA, CHAE, CHTP (2003); John J. Cahill, CHA, CHTP (2004); Wendy Zurstadt, CPA, CHAE, CHTP (2005); Richard Braa, CHAE (2006); and Robert Patasnick, CPA (2007).

To be eligible for selection, an individual must first be nominated by someone who has worked with or is familiar with the nominated individual’s work. The nomination must then be seconded and accompanied by three supporting letters of recommendation. No more than two of the nominators/recommendation writers can be from the same employer, association (other than HFTP) or educational institution. Paragon Award Nominees can be HFTP members; representatives of industry-related associations, societies, trade publications; or leaders from hospitality businesses, educational institutions and other related disciplines.

The Paragon Award nomination form is available on the HFTP web site. Nominations and letters of recommendation are due to the HFTP office by August 4. A panel of industry experts select the award winner(s), who are recognized at the 2008 HFTP Annual Convention & Tradeshow.

Online registration is now available for the Annual Convention & Tradeshow being held September 24-27 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn. Register by August 27 to benefit from the Attendee Early Registration Discount and save up to $50 USD on the registration fee. The convention includes top-notch education sessions, numerous networking opportunities and the annual business meeting for HFTP.

For more information about nominating an individual for the Paragon Award, contact the HFTP Membership Department at (800) 646-4387 or +1 (512) 249-5333 x19, or by e-mail at [email protected].

HFTP, Austin, Texas, USA and Maastricht, The Netherlands, founded in 1952, is the global professional association for financial and technology personnel working in hotels, clubs and other hospitality-related businesses. HFTP provides first class educational opportunities, research and publications to more than 4,800 members globally, including the premiere hospitality technology conference HITEC, founded in 1972. HFTP also awards the only hospitality specific certifications for accounting and technology — the Certified Hospitality Accountant Executive (CHAE) and the Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP) designations. HFTP was founded in the USA as the National Association of Hotel Accountants. For more information, visit .