People in Tourism
Rhode Island Tourism Special Recognition Award
Rhode Island Hospitality Education Foundation
The state’s highest tourism and most prestigious recognition, the Rhode Island Tourism Special Recognition Award will be presented to the Rhode Island Hospitality Education Foundation. A not-for-profit corporation, the Rhode Island Hospitality Education Association encourages people to explore the hospitality industry through scholarships, grants and endowments in conjunction with course curriculum involving food service and hospitality management experience. The organization’s efforts ensure the strength of Rhode Island’s hospitality work force.
Award Presenter: Governor Donald L. Carcieri
Award Recipient: Dale Venturini, President/CEO; Heather Singleton, Vice President of Operations
Regional Tourism Award Winners
BLACKSTONE VALLEY – Wright’s Farm Restaurant
For more than 30 years, Wright’s Farm Restaurant has made family-style chicken dinners a tradition in Southern Rhode Island, thanks to the restaurant’s insistence on freshness and commitment to consistency.
Award Presenter: Bob Billington, President, Blackstone Valley Tourism Council
Award Recipients: Susan and Frank Galleshaw, Jr., Frank Galleshaw III, Roger Lapierre
BLOCK ISLAND – George Dodge
George Dodge is being recognized for his commitment to the Blues on the Block beach concerts. The driving force behind the event, he often supplements the contributions he receives with his own funds.
Award Presenter: John Cullen, Board Member, Block Island Tourism Council
Award Recipient: George Dodge
EAST BAY – Town of Bristol
Bristol has come alive each summer since 1785 to host the oldest Fourth of July parade in the nation. Its friendly boutiques, restaurants, gift shops and museums reflect the town’s small-town pride and patriotic heritage.
Award Presenter: Kristen Swanberg, Chairwoman, East Bay Tourism Council
Award Recipients: Diane Mederos, Town Administrator; Ken Marshall, Chairman
NEWPORT – American Sail Training Association
Newport’s recognition as the sailing capital of the world would not be in place without the American Sail Training Associaton, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to youth education, leadership development and the preservation of North America’s maritime heritage.
Award Presenter: Evan Smith, President/CEO, Newport County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Award Recipient: Lori Aguiar, ASTA, Michael Rauworth, ASTA
PROVIDENCE – James DeRentis
James DeRentis has played a vital role in building and supporting Providence’s arts and cultural offerings. A banker by trade, Jim has devoted an extraordinary amount of his personal time to a variety of arts-related organizations and initiatives, including Trinity Repertory Theatre and the Providence Preservation Society.
Award Presenter: Martha Sheridan, President, Providence/Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau
Award Recipient: James DeRentis
SOUTH COUNTY – Yawgoo Valley Ski & Sports Park
During the past 45 years, Yawgoo Valley Ski Area has grown to include a Sports & Water Park, providing a popular attraction for families and local residents looking for skiing, snow tubing and water attractions in South County.
Award Presenter: Myrna George, President, South County Tourism Council
Award Recipients: Max deWardener, Owner, and Pati deWardener, General Manager
WARWICK – NYLO Hotel
The NYLO Hotel has won national acclaim for its chic, edgy, avant-garde atmosphere, unexpected conveneiences and reasonable rates. It also has the distrinction of being Rhode Island’s “greenest” hotel, operating with 100% renewable energy credits and employing programs to help protect our planet.
Award Presenter: Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian
Award Recipient: John Russell, CEO, Christine Nevers, NYLO
How does Tourism Work in your Community?