You're Welcome Edmonton awards celebration, May 15

May 7, 2007

- The stories behind Greater Edmonton’s premier tourism and hospitality awards

The You’re Welcome Edmonton awards have been gaining momentum ever since arriving on Edmonton ’s hospitality scene seven years ago. This annual event is produced by Edmonton Tourism and is embraced by the industry to recognize and promote excellence in Greater Edmonton’s thriving hospitality and service industry.

“The awards have achieved a high profile within the industry and are now perceived as the top hospitality honour one can receive in Greater Edmonton,” says Ken Fiske, vice-president of Tourism, Events and Motion Pictures for Edmonton Economic Development Corp.

A deserving list of winners will be in the spotlight on May 15 at the 7^th annual You're Welcome Edmonton awards gala at the Winspear Centre. A record-setting 947 nominations were received for this year’s event, many of them repeat nominees from previous years.

A growing number of Greater Edmonton employers see the You’re Welcome Edmonton program as an integral part of their employee recognition and retention programs.  Many past nominees have experienced the positive benefits of the high profile recognition associated with the awards.

“This program is very exciting for employees since it offers a special night where the employer is really focusing on you, the employee,” says Cronk, the 2004 winner for Outstanding Visitor Information Services. “Since I moved into a supervisory role with Edmonton Airports, I want to ensure those working under my supervision are given the same opportunity to receive the accolades they deserve.”

Manfred Kuester of the Fantasyland Hotel’s Fantasy Grill will take his third-consecutive run at winning Outstanding Fine Dining Server this year. Kuester says the awards recognition has encouraged him to stay in the hospitality industry despite opportunities in other industries.

“I really like being recognized,” says Kuester. “It gives me a great feeling. This is the Academy Awards for our industry.”

“These awards are an excellent, no-cost way to help keep good employees in a heated labour market,” says Sherry Scott of The Sutton Place Hotel and volunteer chair of this year’s awards gala. “Considering the current labour shortage and rising demand for new workers, it is more important than ever for employers to recognize their staff,” says Scott. “If you’re not involved in this program – now is the time.” 

Tickets for the 7^th Annual You’re Welcome Edmonton awards are available at the Winspear Centre Box Office for $25 each. Visit www.winspearcentre.com or call (780) 428-1414 for more information.