Shreveport-Bossier, LA – Exceptional individuals in the local tourism sector were honored at the Excellence in Hospitality Awards, hosted by Visit Shreveport-Bossier. The event took place at Horseshoe Bossier Casino and Hotel at 6:00 p.m.
Stacy Brown, President & CEO of Visit Shreveport-Bossier, expressed gratitude for the integral role of hospitality professionals in shaping visitors’ experiences. “The hospitality industry is the cornerstone of tourism. Every smiling face, every personalized interaction makes a lasting impression on our visitors. It’s the dedication of these individuals that keeps tourists returning to Shreveport-Bossier,” Brown remarked.
Although unable to attend, Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser commended the industry’s commitment to hospitality. “When people come to Louisiana, they meet a friend for life. It’s the warmth and hospitality of our industry professionals that keep visitors coming back,” stated Nungesser.
The winners of the 2024 Excellence in Hospitality Awards are:
Outstanding Attraction: Shreveport Aquarium
Outstanding Catering Professional: Ashley Norton-Hebert, Superior’s Steakhouse
Outstanding Banquet Professional: Trina Wright, Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino
Outstanding Bartender – Restaurant: Brayden Hermes, BeauxJax Crafthouse
Outstanding Bartender – Hotel/Casino: Michael Bamberg, Hilton Garden Inn & Homewood Suites Bossier
Outstanding Casino Floor Professional: Earnestine Simmons, Horseshoe Casino
Outstanding Culinary Professional/Chef: Chef Hardette Harris, Us Up North
Outstanding Event: Day of the Dead Festival
Outstanding Event Venue: Hurricane Alley LIVE
Outstanding Food Server – Restaurant: Carlton Barrett, Chianti Restaurant
Outstanding Food Server – Hotel/Casino: Sharon Taylor, Louisiana Downs Racetrack & Casino
Outstanding Front Desk Professional: Margarita Royal, Hilton Garden Inn & Homewood Suites Bossier
Outstanding Guest Service Professional: Ryan Gullatt, Horseshoe Casino
Outstanding Hotel Sales Professional – Single Location: Lauren Knicely, Hilton Shreveport
Outstanding Hotel Sales Professional – Multi-Location: Joanna Folse Alexander, Sunrise Hospitality
Non-Casino Outstanding Housekeeping Professional: Janice Harris, Holiday Inn Express Park Plaza
Casino Outstanding Housekeeping Professional: Zawaunyka “Zoe” Washington, The Service Companies
Outstanding Transportation/Valet Professional: Virginia Howard, Horseshoe Casino
Outstanding Volunteer: Tamara Crane
Outstanding Executive: Andrea Butler, Louisiana Downs Racetrack & Casino
Department Awards
Communications
2024 Foodie Faves:
- Chef Chapeaux Chapman, Orlandeaux’s Café
- Chef Anthony and Amanda Felan, Fat Calf Brasserie
2024 Creative Collaborator: Chris Dean, KSLA
2024 Attraction Allstar: Ami Powers, Sci-Port Discovery Center
Conventions
Spirit of Hospitality Award: Ted and Tonya Hofmeister
Tour and Travel Partner of the Year:
- Bonne Summers
- Dr. Cheryl White
- Johnny Wessler
- Liz Swaine
- Winston Hall
Catering Partner of the Year: Chefs Antonio & Besheka McCoy-Harris
Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission
Partner of the Year: Gulf Coast Athletic Conference
Sponsor of the Year: Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
Volunteer of the Year: William Bedford
Pineapple Award: Presented to individuals and organizations promoting Shreveport-Bossier:
- Kathleen Elliott, Louisiana Downs Racetrack & Casino
- Ruth Hunter, Finance Director at Visit Shreveport-Bossier
Trail Blazer Award: Celebrating pioneers in the industry:
- Curtis Elkins, Pyromania Fireworks, LLC
