Visit Sarasota County to Honor Hospitality Excellence at Annual Summit

On November 18 at the Indicators & Insights Summit, Visit Sarasota County (VSC) will celebrate the people and businesses shaping the hospitality industry’s future as it announces the finalists for the prestigious Haley Hall of Fame Awards. Of the more than 40 individuals and businesses nominated, VSC will name seven honorees – from rising talent to industry veterans – all of whom have demonstrated exceptional impact across Sarasota County’s local tourism industry. 

Established to honor Virginia J. Haley, who led VSC for 24 years and devoted her career to strengthening the local hospitality community, the awards program serves as a lasting tribute to her far-reaching impact and leadership.

“We are thrilled to recognize the outstanding contributions these individuals and organizations have made that continue to make Sarasota County a top destination for travelers and a welcoming home for residents,” said Erin Duggan, President and CEO of Visit Sarasota County. “All of this year’s nominees have a clear commitment to excellence and community spirit, which as our visitors will tell you time and again sets our destination apart and gives it tremendous heart.”

The award categories and nominees include:

• Management Excellence: Recognizing a manager who demonstrates positive impacts on staff while also mentoring their team. Nominees: Carlos Diaz, The Resort at Longboat Key Club; Grace Denton, Veranda Beach Club; Jessica Rhodes, Mote Marine Lab & Aquarium; Juan Carlos Serra Valenzuela, The Resort at Longboat Key Club; Karen Collins, Asolo Repertory Theatre; Kyle Doering, The Resort at Longboat Key Club; Paige Balsinger, All Around Charter & Tours; Randi Mullings, The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota; Raul Alberto Rodriquez, Lefty’s Oyster & Seafood Bar; Rebecca Jackson, Blasé Martini Bar; Stephanie Kaelin-Bare, The Resort at Longboat Key Club.

   

• Front Line Excellence: Recognizing a non-management employee who continually demonstrates outstanding customer service. Nominees: Arnette German, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe; Christopher Russell, The Resort at Longboat Key Club; David Delsanto, The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota; Elysia Stacey, Cask & Ale; Julia Hannegan, The Resort at Longboat Key Club; Katelinn Wurm, The Resort at Longboat Key Club; Liz Shurley, Blasé Martini Bar; Lynn Riley, The Resort at Longboat Key Club; Steven Arias, TownePlace Suites & Fairfield Inn & Suites Venice; and Susie Chinn, The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime.

   

• Heart of the House Excellence: Recognizing a back-of-the-house, non-management employee who is committed to providing high-quality service. Nominees: Gina Church, The Resort at Longboat Key Club; Hayley Johnson, The Resort at Longboat Key Club; Ivelyz Diaz, The Resort at Longboat Key Club; Myllanna McKinnon, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe; and Neysa Arvelo Soto, The Resort at Longboat Key Club.

   

• Volunteer Excellence: Recognizing an individual who continually enriches the visitor experience through their volunteer service. Nominees: Janet Richardson, Mote Marine Lab & Aquarium; Mark Brummer, The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota; Mattie Watson, Save Our Seabirds; and Phil Trego, Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce.

   

• Rising Star: Recognizing an emerging leader who exhibits exceptional growth within the hospitality industry. Nominees: Edith Maye Perez, The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota; and Lisa Roberts, The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota.

   

• Legacy Star: Recognizing a longtime leader who actively contributes through their leadership and mentorship. Nominees: Jennifer Mitchell, Circus Arts Conservatory; Marla de Castro, The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota; and Mary Bensel, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

   

• Business Excellence: Recognizing an organization in Sarasota County that acts as a champion for strengthening hospitality. Nominees: University Park Country Club and Watershed Hospitality Concepts.

Award recipients will be announced and celebrated during the first half of the Summit, immediately following the keynote session with U.S. Travel Association’s VP of Political Affairs, Nicole Porter. 

Tickets are on sale now starting at $60 and include breakfast as well as admission to the Summit. Group discounts are also available. VSC’s Summit is generously sponsored by Siesta Wealth, LodgCo Hospitality, Sir Speedy Sarasota, Sarasota Paradise, Sarasota Herald-Tribune and LocaliQ, and Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. 

For tickets and more information, visit https://visitsarasotacounty.ticketspice.com/visit-sarasota-county-indicators-insights-summit-2025. 

About Visit Sarasota County

Visit Sarasota County (VSC) is the official tourism marketing entity and primary provider of visitor information for Sarasota County where tourism is the top industry. Through programs and partnerships, VSC makes Sarasota County a better place by promoting our community on the world stage. These efforts bring together over 450 partners to keep visitors coming, local businesses open and residents employed all year. VSC is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program, a program of the Destination Management Association International (DMAI). To learn more, visit www.visitsarasota.com. 

# # #