WLA’s Stars of the Industry Awards Categories
WLA’s Stars of the Industry Awards Program celebrates the very best in Washington hospitality. The program gives members the opportunity to honor exceptional members of their teams who have contributed to the success of their properties and the industry as a whole. The program also recognizes properties for outstanding programs and initiatives and WLA allied members for exemplary service and innovative contributions to Washington’s lodging industry.
AWARD CATEGORIES
RISING STAR OF THE YEAR
Honors an outstanding individual for his or her exceptional efforts to serve and enhance the experience of the traveling public. Nominees are new to the industry and/or to their position and embody the essence of hospitality. They translate this to both the internal and external customer on a consistent basis and demonstrate outstanding growth potential in the hospitality field.
OUTSTANDING LODGING EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
Honors a non-management employee (e.g., concierges, housekeepers, etc.) who goes above and beyond normal job responsibilities. Nominees are judged on outstanding and unusual service to the property, guests, and the community.
OUTSTANDING MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Honors exemplary professionalism and exceptional service by an employee in a supervisory position. Nominees are judged on undertaking special services, showing outstanding leadership qualities, and consistently adding to the general well-being of guests.
OUTSTANDING GENERAL MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Honors a hotelier who has demonstrated superior professionalism in operating a WLA-member property and taken a leadership role in the industry by actively participating in association, community, or industry programs.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Awarded for programs demonstrating a property’s engagement in the community. Examples include campaigns to benefit service organizations or charities, service to any part of the community through a special project, and joint undertakings with community groups.
GOOD EARTHKEEPING
Recognizes WLA-member properties that have integrated superior environmental management practices that improve everyday operations and the bottom line, while maintaining quality service and meeting guest expectations with success in two or more of the following areas: energy conservation, solid waste reduction, effluents and emissions, water conservation, purchasing, and business issues.
PRISM
Recognizes the programs, initiatives, and corporate culture that lead to an environment of inclusion amongst all employees and/or guests, regardless of race, gender, creed, or physical ability. Proven diversity outreach in marketing, hiring, retaining, and promoting is equally as important as overcoming intangible barriers that lead to overall guest and employee satisfaction and recognition.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Awarded for programs or campaigns that demonstrate a creative approach to scheduled events, anniversaries, charity events, holidays, or special publicity events. One award is given to a one-time event and one award is given to an ongoing event.
ALLIED PARTNER OF THE YEAR
Honors a WLA allied member that has provided a WLA member business with outstanding service and support and/or made an extraordinary contribution to Washington’s lodging industry and /or the association.
PRESENTED BY THE WASHINGTON LODGING ASSOCIATION WITH STARS OF THE INDUSTRY SPONSOR
