Sunshine Matters

I’m pleased to share that during Tuesday evening’s Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association annual Gala and Awards Dinner, VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors member Gene Prescott received the 2014 Hotelier Hall of Fame Award.  As president of The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Gene led a $40 million, 10-year renovation program that has recently been completed, restoring the landmark to its world-class excellence.  Click here to see a compilation video of industry support for Gene’s honor.

Other award recipients included Bill Shumate of Bella’s Italian Café as the 2014 Restauranteur Hall of Fame inductee and Herman Fernandez of Southern Wine & Spirits as the 2014 Supplier of the Year.  FRLA also announced their 2014 Executive Committee, naming Jim McManemon, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, as Chairman of the Board.  VISIT FLORIDA Board member, Lino Maldinado with ResortQuest in Fort Walton Beach, was installed as one of the seven Executive Committee officers.  To learn more, read FRLA’s press release.

Congratulations to all the award winners and newly appointed Executive Committee members.  Your outstanding leadership is a credit to the nearly 1.1 million Floridians who proudly serve in Florida’s hospitality and tourism industry.