SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The finalists for the 2022 Howdy Awards for Hospitality Excellence were announced on Monday.
According to the Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau (GSCVB), 50 businesses were named finalists who provide top-notch service, have loyal customers and help make a positive impact on the economy. The awards will feature nominated finalists in ten categories, including
- Accommodation
- Casual Food
- food table
- Beverage
- Public Service
- Retail
- Transportation
- Attractions
- Banquet
- people’s choice
The Howdy Awards will celebrate workers in Western Massachusetts on May 16 at 6 p.m. at the MassMutual Center. A presentation will include the Spotlight Award to Springfield Thunderbirds team president Nate Costa and the Springfield Thunderbirds ownership group for keeping professional hockey in the Western mass.
“Every customer interaction is a chance to create quality customer service impressions that reflect the Western Mass region,” said Michael Hurwitz, Chairman of the Howdy Committee, Uno’s Pizzeria & Grill. “We are extremely proud to have so many exceptional and hardworking people on our front lines of visitors. Customers return when they are treated well and that is why we originally created these awards in 1996. We want to recognize the hotel receptionist who always has a pleasant smile, the food server who takes your order every time or the bartender who always remembers your favorite drink, because they are the ones who create strong, positive reviews and memorable word-of-mouth impressions.
“Customer service has never been more important in the tourism industry,” said GSCVB President Mary Kay Wydra. “With review apps like Yelp, Expedia and others playing such a huge role in how businesses are perceived, it’s critical that customers feel like they’ve been welcomed and treated well.”
LIST: Howdy Awards finalists
Accommodation
Felicia Fernandez, Receptionist Hampton Inn and Suites, Hadley
Austin Ginman, Front Desk Agent MGM Hotel, Springfield
Genesis Ramos, Receptionist Residence Inn, Chicopee
Felicia Laurin, Housekeeping Supervisor The Inn on Boltwood, Amherst
Attractions
David Dunston, Show Staff Basketball Hall of Fame, Springfield
Laura Litterer, Owner Full of Grace Farm, Hadley
Steve Ferraro, Operations Manager Eastern States Exposition, West Springfield
Sabrina Brizzolari, Director of Event Services Mass Mutual Center, Springfield
Gary Laprade, Sports Travel and Tours Host, Hatfield
Pearl Wesley, Ranger Springfield Armory, Springfield
Sharon Ferrara, Visitor Center Manager Springfield Museums, Springfield
banquets
Shanique Fair, MGM Springfield Catering Sales Manager
Will Diaz, Log Cabin Event Planner, Holyoke
Brenda Lee Glanville, Sales and Marketing Manager Summit View Banquet House, Holyoke
Beverage
Terry Ryan, Bartender Collins Tavern, West Springfield
Rob Dullea, bar manager Fitzwilly’s, Northampton
Jessica Santinello, Maple Leaf Bartender, Westfield
Matthew Jerzyk, bartender Max’s Tavern, Springfield
Amanda Reed, bartender The Ranch Pub House, Southwick
Casual Food
June Leduc, General Manager of Delaney Market, Longmeadow
Silvana Cardaropoli, Palazzo’s Customer Service, Springfield
Humberto Caro, Starbuck’s Manager, Monarch Place, Springfield
Erica Rosado, Tru by Hilton Breakfast Attendant, Chicopee
food table
Kelsi Donohue, Italian Bnapoli Waiter, West Springfield
Donna Nardi, Waiter Cal’s Restaurant, West Springfield
Matthew Canata, EB Counter Clerk, Agawam
Darlene Robinson, Waitress Gregory’s Pizza, Wilbraham
Bernadette Beaudry, Waiter Johnny’s Roadside Diner, Hadley
Benny Beans, Waiter Latitude, West Springfield
Amy Silvestri, General Manager UNO’s Pizzeria & Grill, Springfield
Michael Moriarty, Server Villa Napoletana, East Longmeadow
Public Service
Serena Curley, Concierge Baystate Medical Center, Springfield
Latrina Haynie, Phlebotomist Baystate Lab, Springfield
January Russell, Bluestone Insurance/Horace Mann Insurance Agent, Agawam
Heather Wyman, Office Manager Cordes Orthodontics, Westfield
Paul Barden, Meals on Wheels Greater Springfield Sr. Services, Springfield
Tricia Zoly, Nurse Holyoke Council on Aging, Holyoke
Harold Anderson, Valley Eye Radio Program Director, Springfield
Retail
Yates Greenhalgh, Big Y cashier, Wilbraham
Kerri O’Connor, Athlete Manager, Longmeadow
Patrick Hamel, Service Advisor Gary Rome Hyundai, Holyoke
Tiarra Henderson, Framing Specialist Michael’s, West Springfield
Maria Lepage, Sales and Leasing Consultant Gary Rome Hyundai, Holyoke
Sabrina Pretti, Insa Inc. Customer Service, Easthampton
Carolyn Owens, Cashier Walgreen’s, Springfield
Janet Graves, Retail Sales Associate Yankee Candle Village, South Deerfield
Stephen Ross, Sales Associate Yankee Candle Village, South Deerfield
Transportation
Jose Guzman, Valet Parker Baystate Medical Center, Springfield
Barbara Eckert, Kiosk Attendant Civic Center Garage, Springfield
Tom McLeer, PVTA PVTA Bus Driver, Springfield
The GSCVB is a private, nonprofit organization that markets and promotes meetings and conventions, group travel, sports and leisure travel in Western Massachusetts.
