PRLA Winter 2019

28  • PENNSYLVANIA RESTAURANT & LODGING matters • Winter 2019 Annual Awards Each year, PRLA honors exceptional members of the association and industry for their leadership, commitment, and service to the industry and their community. This year, PRLA honored the following members as Spirit of Hospitality Award winners: Ì Ì Lifetime Achievement Award John Graf, Priory Hospitality Group Ì Ì Wilmer S. Lapp Community Service Award Beechie’s Place, Meadow Lands Ì Ì Event of the Year WaterFire Sharon Ì Ì Campaign of the Year Behind the Eats by Visit Philadelphia Ì Ì Innovation Award Alexa Johnson, Visit Bucks County Ì Ì Eco-Hero Award Stephanie Rath, Barley Creek Brewing Company Ì Ì Manager of the Year Brian Dailey, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Downtown Restaurant Group Ì Ì Customer Relations Award Xue “Snow” Lewis, Days Inn Penn State Ì Ì Future of the Industry Award David Pearce-Smith, Seton Hill University MEMBER MILESTONES Previous Lifetime Achievement Award honoree, Jim Purdum (l), presents John Graf with the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award. Lehigh Valley Restaurant Group accepts the state Restaurant Neighbor Award from PRLA treasurer, Bill Covaleski. WaterFire Sharon named 2018 Event of the Year. Stephanie Rath, Barley Creek Brewing Company, receives the 2018 Eco-Hero Award from Vice Chairman Tim Zugger. Vice Chairman Tim Zugger presents Xue “Snow” Lewis, Days Inn Penn State, with the Customer Relations Award. LVRG CEO Mike Axiotis presents Nacho Reyes with the 2018 state Faces of Diversity Award. Ray Metzger and Oscar De Jesus, GPS Hospitality-Burger King, receive the Excellence in Food Safety Award. Jeff Utman of 1794: The Whiskey Rebellion receives the Excellence in Food Safety Award.