EXGR Presents Joe Tomaselli Hotelier of the Year Award to Rachel Kammer at Toast the Town Event

The Joe Tomaselli Hotelier of the Year Award is given annually to the Kent County hotel general manager who represents the best of the best in the local tourism industry. The award recognizes the noteworthy contributions of Mr. Tomaselli to Grand Rapids through his outstanding work on behalf of the Amway Hotel Corporation and his leadership in the community. Mr. Tomaselli, the long-time President of the Amway Hotel Corporation, retired at the end of 2012.

Kammer was selected by a panel of judges made up community leaders representing EXGR and the West Michigan Sports Commission. Nominees are judged based on their background in the industry, community involvement, passion for the industry, and their role in the hotel operating performance.

Kammer’s nominators were not only impressed with her work ethic, but also her attitude:

“Rachel’s positive attitude, hard work, dedication, and pure energy rings throughout the hallways of the Residence Inn Grand Rapids Airport! She stands out and makes a difference every day!”

Previous winners of this prestigious award are:

2013: Ed Wilson of the Country Inn and Suites East Beltline
2014: Bob Orr formerly of the DoubleTree by Hilton
2015: George Aquino of the JW Marriott
2016: Rachel Crowther formerly of the SpringHill Suites North by Marriott
2017: Brian Behler formerly of the JW Marriott
2018: Elijah Steinmetz of the Homewood Suites by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown

“Recognizing the best in the local hospitality industry is important to us because they are the front-line staff impacting visitors’ experiences,” said Doug Small, CEO/President at Experience Grand Rapids. “Congratulations to Rachel Kammer, who exemplifies the characteristics that create the hospitable energy Grand Rapids radiates and makes people want to visit again.”