Outstanding individuals in the local tourism industry were recognize at the Excellence in Hospitality Awards, an event organized by Visit Shreveport-Bossier. The event was hosted at Horseshoe Bossier Casino and Hotel.

“The hospitality industry is the heartbeat of tourism. When people come to Shreveport-Bossier, they’re going to remember the valet who flashed them the first big smile. The bartender, who was personable and went the extra mile, made their dinner experience unforgettable. All the front desk personnel, housekeeping professionals, local attractions, business owners and event planners are the reason visitors will return to Shreveport-Bossier,” said Stacy Brown, president and CEO of Visit Shreveport-Bossier. “People come to Northwest Louisiana for the Southern hospitality, and they leave feeling like part of a family thanks to all the individuals who were here tonight.”

Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser sent a message to those in the audience, as he was unable to attend: “I’m told all over the world, when people come to Louisiana, they meet a friend for life, and they leave with that warm and fuzzy feeling, and it’s you, the people in this industry, that make those visitors feel welcome that they keep coming time and time again,” said Nungesser. “Those record numbers in tourism, it’s because of you. It’s because of the way you treat people. So, congratulations to the winners, but thank all of you for always being so passionate about your job.”

2024 Excellence in Hospitality Award Recipients

Outstanding Attraction
Shreveport Aquarium

Outstanding Catering Professional
Ashley Norton-Hebert With Superior’s Steakhouse

Outstanding Banquet Professional
Trina Wright With Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino

Outstanding Bartender – Restaurant
Brayden Hermes With Beauxjax Crafthouse

Outstanding Bartender – Hotel/Casino
Michael Bamberg With Hilton Garden Inn & Homewood Suites Bossier

Outstanding Casino Floor Professional
Earnestine Simmons With Horseshoe Casino

Outstanding Culinary Professional/Chef
Chef Hardette Harris With Us Up North, Celebrating North Louisiana Cuisine

Outstanding Event
Day Of The Dead Festival

Outstanding Event Venue
Hurricane Alley Live

Outstanding Food Server – Restaurant
Carlton Barrett With Chianti Restaurant

Outstanding Food Server – Hotel/Casino
Sharon Taylor With Louisiana Downs Racetrack & Casino

Outstanding Front Desk Professional
Margarita Royal W/ Hilton Garden Inn & Homewood Suites Bossier

Outstanding Guest Service Professional
Ryan Gullatt With Horseshoe Casino

Outstanding Hotel Sales Professional – Single Location
Lauren Knicely With The Hilton Shreveport

Outstanding Hotel Sales Professional – Multi-Location
Joanna Folse Alexander With Sunrise Hospitality

Non-Casino Outstanding Housekeeping Professional
Janice Harris With Holiday Inn Express Park Plaza

Casino Outstanding Housekeeping Professional
Zawaunyka “Zoe” Washington With The Service Companies

Outstanding Transportation/Valet Professional
Virginia Howard With The Horseshoe Casino

Outstanding Volunteer
Tamara Crane

Outstanding Executive
Andrea Butler With Louisiana Downs Racetrack & Casino

DEPARTMENTS

2024 Attraction Allstar
Ami Powers – Sci-Port Discovery Center

Communications

2024 Foodie Faves
Chef Chapeaux Chapman – Orlandeaux’s Café
Chef Anthony and Amanda Felan – Fat Calf
Brasserie

2024 Creative Collaborator
Chris Dean – KSLA

Conventions

Spirit Of Hospitality Award
Ted and Tonya Hofmeister

Tour And Travel Partner Of The Year
Bonne Summers
Dr. Cheryl White
Johnny Wessler
Liz Swaine
Winston Hall

Catering Partner Of The Year
Chefs Antonio & Besheka McCoy-Harris

Pineapple Award
The Pineapple Awards -- are presented to individuals and organizations who have spent their careers promoting Shreveport-Bossier to visitors and locals alike.

Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission Partner Of The Year
Gulf Coast Athletic Conference

Sponsor Of The Year
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers

Volunteer Of The Year
William Bedford
Kathleen Elliott with Louisiana Downs
Racetrack & Casino
Ruth Hunter, Finance Director at Visit Shreveport-Bossier

Trail Blazer Award
The Trailblazer of the Year Award celebrates pioneers in their field who lead with courage and innovation, setting new standards for excellence.

Curtis Elkins, Pyromania Fireworks, LLC