Latest news with #2025AwardsofExcellence
Associated Press
19-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Preferred Hotels & Resorts Announces 2025 Awards of Excellence at the Preferred Global Conference in Singapore
NEW YORK, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world's largest independent hotel brand, is pleased to announce the winners of its 2025 Preferred Awards of Excellence. The awards were presented on May 15 at The Fullerton Bay Hotel at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Preferred Global Conference. Guided by the vision and brand ethos of 'Believe in Travel,' these awards celebrate hotels that go above and beyond excellence in luxury and service. They honor properties that challenge convention and redefine the guest experience through innovation and creativity. This recognition reflects the dynamic nature of hospitality, where staying ahead means continuously adapting to the evolving aspirations of today's travelers. 'It is a true honor to recognize the recipients of the 2025 Awards of Excellence — remarkable hoteliers whose passion, innovation, and unwavering commitment to independent hospitality are shaping the future of our industry,' said Lindsey Ueberroth, Chief Executive Officer of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. 'Their innovation, dedication, and pursuit of excellence not only set new benchmarks for luxury and service but also serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact travel has on individuals and communities worldwide. I am proud to recognize their contributions, which inspire us all to embrace the possibilities of the future, continue raising the standard for what hospitality can achieve, and build authority as a leading voice on the state of the luxury travel market.' The 2025 Preferred Global Conference took place from May 13–15 in Singapore, hosted at two iconic members of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts' prestigious Legend Collection — The Fullerton Hotel Singapore and its sister property, The Fullerton Bay Hotel. The conference concluded with a closing ceremony and awards presentation on May 15 at The Fullerton Bay Hotel. Celebrated among an audience of more than 320 hospitality industry leaders, renowned speakers, media, and independent hoteliers from around the world, the awards highlighted the innovative approaches shaping the future of the independent hotel sector. The event underscored the brand's ongoing commitment to its 'Believe in Travel' vision, with a focus on elevating the guest experience and driving meaningful, positive change across the industry. 2025 Preferred Awards of Excellence The Preferred Awards of Excellence recognize member hotels that exemplify excellence within the Preferred Hotels & Resorts global portfolio and inspire the global travel community to pursue #ThePreferredLife. Spanning from New Hotel of the Year to I Prefer Hotel of the Year, the following member properties and hoteliers within the Preferred Hotels & Resorts were honored this year: Hotelier of the Year: Anuraag Bhatnagar, CEO of The Leela Palaces. Hotels and Resorts Hotel of the Year – Overall: Castelfalfi (Montaione, Italy), Legend Collection Hotel of the Year – United States & Canada: The Global Ambassador (Phoenix, United States), Legend Collection Hotel of the Year – Latin America (Mexico, Central, & South America): Rancho Santana (Tola, Nicaragua), L.V.X. Collection Hotel of the Year – Europe: The Alpina Gstaad (Alpina, Switzerland), Legend Collection Hotel of the Year – Asia Pacific: The Fullerton Hotel Singapore and The Fullerton Bay Hotel (Singapore), Legend Collection Hotel of the Year – South Asia, Middle East and Africa: Al Habtoor Palace (Dubai), Legend Collection New Hotel of the Year – Resort: MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa (Sonoma, United States), L.V.X. Collection New Hotel of the Year – City Center: The RuMa Hotel & Residences (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), Lifestyle Collection I Prefer Hotel of the Year: Biltmore Hotel (Coral Gables, United States), L.V.X. Collection Shiji ReviewPro Award for Online Reputation Management: ATELIER Playa Mujeres (Cancun, Mexico) L.V.X. Collection To qualify for nominations, hotels are required to rank among the top in their region as part of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Integrated Quality Assurance program – which includes third party on-site inspections and real-time guest feedback from the world's top consumer review sites – and actively demonstrate strong engagement in their partnership with the Preferred Hotels & Resort's brand. From the pool of qualified hotels, the brand's team of regional leaders draw a shortlist across categories with the awards committee, chaired by the Ueberroth Family, selecting the winners. About Preferred Hotels & Resorts Preferred Hotels & Resorts is the world's largest independent hotel brand, representing more than 600 distinctive hotels, resorts, residences, and unique hotel groups across 80 countries. Through its four global collections, Preferred Hotels & Resorts connects discerning travelers to the singular luxury hospitality experience that meets their life and style preferences for each occasion. Every property within the portfolio maintains the high-quality standards and unparalleled service levels required by the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Integrated Quality Assurance Program. The I Prefer ™ Hotel Rewards program, Preferred Residences℠, Preferred Pride℠, and Preferred Golf™ offer valuable benefits for travelers seeking a unique experience. For more information, visit MEDIA CONTACT: Kate Calciano Coordinator, Public Relations Preferred Hotels & Resorts Beyond Green Office: + 1 646-465-9786 Mobile: +1 929-215-6608 [email protected] [email protected]
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Homewood Suites by Hilton Panama City Beach Recognized With the Hilton "Award of Excellence"
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla., April 17, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The St. Joe Company (NYSE: JOE) ("St. Joe") is proud to announce that Homewood Suites by Hilton Panama City Beach ("Homewood Suites PCB") has been recognized with the Hilton "Award of Excellence." The award, given annually to the top five percent of Homewood Suites hotels, is based on a variety of metrics including guest ratings, cleanliness scores and the annual Hilton quality assessment on which Homewood Suites PCB earned a 96 percent. "This recognition and the quality scores and guest ratings that we've achieved are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our world-class team," said Debi Knight, General Manager of Homewood Suites PCB. "Our associates take pride in our hotel and go above and beyond to make every guest's stay a pleasant and memorable one. To be acknowledged in this way is something that we are all very proud of." Homewood Suites PCB opened in 2022 and features 131 one- and two-bedroom guest suites, each equipped with a full kitchen and refrigerator. Amenities include a swimming pool, fitness center and complimentary hot breakfast served seven days a week. The hotel is adjacent to the 160-acre Publix Sports Park and just minutes from the white-sand beaches of Panama City Beach. "We are very excited for Homewood Suites PCB to receive this prestigious recognition," said Patrick Murphy, Senior Vice President of Hospitality for St. Joe. "Panama City Beach continues to be among the top beach destinations in the country. The location of the hotel enables us to serve visiting sports teams competing at the Publix Sports Park as well as business and leisure travelers looking to enjoy all that Panama City Beach has to offer." Homewood Suites PCB is one of 12 hotels and resorts in The St. Joe Company hospitality portfolio in Northwest Florida. Several properties have also won awards and accolades this year including: Camp Creek® Inn – Preferred Hotels and Resorts Finalist, 2025 Awards of Excellence: Best New Hotel/Resort; 2025 Traveler Review Award; Perfect in Walton County: Platinum, Best Meeting/Conference Space and Gold, Best Tennis Facility The Pearl Hotel – Readers Digest, Most Romantic Hotel – Florida; Perfect in Walton County: Diamond, Best Hotel/Resort and Platinum, Best Spa/Salon WaterColor® Inn and Resort – Perfect in Walton County: Gold, Best Wedding Venue (WaterColor LakeHouse) Hotel Indigo Panama City Marina – IHG, Newcomer of the Year Homewood Suites Panama City Beach is located at 47 Chip Seal Parkway, Panama City Beach, Florida. Visit for more information. To learn more about other St. Joe hospitality assets, visit About The St. Joe Company The St. Joe Company ("Company") is a diversified real estate development, asset management and operating company with real estate assets and operations in Northwest Florida. The Company intends to use existing assets for residential, hospitality and commercial ventures and has significant residential and commercial land-use entitlements. The Company actively seeks higher and better uses for its real estate assets through a range of development activities. More information about St. Joe can be found on its website at ©2025 The St Joe Company. "St. Joe®," "JOE®," the "Taking Flight" Design®," "St. Joe (and Taking Flight Design,)®," "Camp Creek®," and "WaterColor®" are registered service marks of The St. Joe Company. View source version on Contacts St. Joe Investor Relations Contact:Marek BakunChief Financial St. Joe Media Relations Contact:Mary Beth LovingoodCorporate Director of
Associated Press
17-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
America's Blood Centers Announces 2025 Awards of Excellence Winners
Washington, DC, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- America's Blood Centers (ABC), the national organization of community-based, independent blood centers that supply 60 percent of the nation's blood supply, is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Awards of Excellence. These awards recognize outstanding individuals and organizations for their exceptional contributions to supporting the nation's blood supply. The awards were presented during ABC's Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., which brought together blood center executives and national leaders to discuss critical industry topics, advocacy efforts, regulatory updates, and the latest advancements in science, medicine, and technical affairs. 'America's Blood Centers is proud to recognize these individuals and organizations for their support of our nation's blood supply. These award recipients exemplify the dedication, innovation, and passion that drive the blood community forward,' said Kate Fry, CEO of America's Blood Centers. 'Their contributions have helped expand our donor base and provide life-saving blood products to patients across the country.' The 2025 Awards of Excellence winners include: Corporation of the Year: East Penn Manufacturing: Honored for their long-standing commitment to hosting blood drives and supporting the volunteer blood community. Since 1983, East Penn has hosted over 500 blood drives, resulting in more than 13,870 blood products collected. The company's culture of giving, led by Chairman Dan Breidegam, has made them a model for corporate engagement in community blood donation efforts. Outstanding Blood Drive of the Year: Barnett San Antonio National Pan-Hellenic Council: Recognized for excellence in promoting and organizing blood donation drives within underrepresented communities. Their innovative outreach strategies, including QR code tracking and culturally sensitive education programs, have created a sustainable model for community engagement. This partnership has resulted in over 300 life-saving donations from chapter members in two years, significantly addressing the critical need for Group O blood. ABC Outstanding Public Relations Campaign: Vitalant's Social Media Team: Honored for their innovative 'Giving Starts with Learning' campaign, which significantly increased donor engagement and awareness. The campaign's success was evident in a 20% growth on Instagram and a 173% increase on TikTok, reaching millions of potential donors. Their creative approach to demystifying blood donation has set a new benchmark for digital outreach in the blood banking community. Larry Frederick Award: Ruth Osburn, Nominated by Mississippi Blood Services: Honored for her community leadership in raising awareness about blood donation over 17 years. Ruth's efforts have resulted in the collection of over 7,110 blood products, impacting more than 21,340 lives in Mississippi. Her innovative MASH-themed blood drives have become a model for engaging and educating potential donors in creative ways. Thomas F. Zuck Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Mary Townsend: Awarded for her career-long contributions to improving blood collection methods and product safety. Dr. Townsend's work on donor biovigilance has revolutionized donor care practices nationwide. Her leadership roles in various task forces and committees have shaped policies that continue to enhance the safety and efficacy of blood products. ITXM Award for Excellence in Technical Operations: Evelyn Oyler, SunCoast Blood Centers: Recognized for her 25-year career and outstanding leadership in blood banking laboratory operations. Evelyn's expertise spans from cancer centers to international medical facilities, showcasing her diverse experience in the field. Her innovative approaches to laboratory management have resulted in improved efficiency and quality control measures, setting new standards in the industry. Blood Community Advocate of the Year: Billy Weales, The Blood Center: Recognized for his exemplary leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and advocacy efforts for blood centers. Billy's innovative programs, including convalescent plasma collection and automated red cell exchange, have significantly improved patient care outcomes. His work has been instrumental in securing recognition of blood centers as essential healthcare services at both state and national levels. National Partner of the Year: GLAAD: Awarded for their commitment to educating and inspiring the next generation of blood donors. GLAAD's 'Summer of Giving' campaign reached over 4 million people, breaking down barriers and challenging long-standing misconceptions about blood donation. Their partnership has opened doors for many who previously felt excluded from the donation process, significantly expanding the donor base. Distinguished Service Award: FY24-25 Committee Chairs: This award recognizes the exceptional leadership of ABC's committee chairs. Their dedication and expertise have been instrumental in advancing evidence-based practices, shaping industry policies, and driving innovation across various aspects of blood banking. These leaders have played a crucial role in ensuring ABC remains at the forefront of blood center advocacy and operational excellence. The committee chairs include Dr. Daniela Hermelin, Chair of the ABC Blood Bulletin Committee; Kim Kinsell and Lisa Entrikin, Chairs of the ABC Bylaws Committee; Theresa Pina, Chair of the ABC Communications & National Partnerships Committee; Robert Harper, Chair of the ABC Education Committee; Harpreet Sandhu, Chair of the ABC Membership Committee, John B. Miller, Chair of the ABC Nominating Committee; Stacy Sime, Chair of the ABC Public Policy Council, Wendell Jones, Chair of the ABC Quality Regulatory Committee; and Dr. Kip Kuttner, Chair of the ABC SMT Committee. Distinguished Service Award: Leslie Maundy: This award recognizes her exemplary dedication, outstanding contributions, and unwavering professionalism to America's Blood Centers and its members. With a tenure of over two decades at the association, Ms. Maundy has risen to become the Director of Membership Services and Events, where she focuses on elevating and refining the member experience, demonstrating a profound commitment to excellence within the organization. Distinguished Service Award: Mack Benton, MJ: This award recognizes his exemplary dedication, outstanding contributions, and unwavering professionalism to America's Blood Centers and its members. Mr. Benton will celebrate his twentieth year at America's Blood Centers this year, where he has risen to become Editor of Publications and Director of Member Communications. In this role, he publishes the ABC Newsletter, which serves as a cornerstone resource for blood banking professionals, industry trailblazers, and experts worldwide and the ADRP The Drop, a monthly communication for thousands of individuals worldwide. Founded in 1962, America's Blood Centers (ABC) is the national organization bringing together community-based, independent blood centers across North America. These organizations operate in more than 1,100 communities and provide close to 60 percent of the U.S. and a quarter of the Canadian blood supply. ABC member organizations serve more than 150 million people and provide blood products and services to more than 3,500 hospitals and healthcare facilities. All ABC U.S. members are 501(c)(3) organizations licensed and regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or Health Canada. For more information, visit
