Visit Cook County shares news of the Heart of Hospitality Awards
Visit Cook County had a unique way of honoring its Heart of Hospitality winners - Photo courtes of VCC
Like so many other events in 2020, the Visit Cook County Gala, sponsored jointly with the Cook County Chamber, was canceled. However, both entities found a way to celebrate some of the hardworking business owners and workers on the North Shore.
The Cook County Chamber and WTIP Community Radio worked together to host an hour-long special to honor the nominees and winners of the Chamber Business of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, and Business Leader of the Year awards. Also presented during the program was the Norman Deschampe Community Service Award--which went to the entire Cook County community for its calm, responsible and serious-minded response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more about those awards, give a listen to the program, hosted by WTIP's Joe Friedrichs, Chamber Director Jim Boyd and Chamber President Karen Blackburn, click here.
Visit Cook County also had awards to present--the Heart of Hospitality Awards. Four awards are given to each Visit Cook County tourism area--the Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais, Grand Portage and the Lutsen/Tofte/Schroeder area.
The Heart of Hospitality Awards are given to recognize the hospitality workers in northeastern Minnesota. The nominees are the ones who deliver extraordinary service with a smile on their face. These nominees are reliable, personable, and caring. They have a passion for what they do. See more about the award and the other nominees here.
This year's Heart of Hospitality Awards were presented to the following people. Click on their name to see a video of Visit Cook County staff making a surprise visit to these folks to deliver the news or their award.
Samantha Wallner - Grand Marais Recreation Area (Grand Marais)
Bernard Banks - Cascade Lodge and Restaurant (Lutsen/Tofte/Schroeder)
WTIP's Mark Abrahamson spoke with Visit Cook County Director Linda Jurek about the Heart of the Hospitality Awards. They also spoke about some upcoming events, such as the "Oh, Ole Night" celebration, which will be held in collaboration with WTIP Community Radio, and a fat tire bike event in January.
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