Diamond Service Awards
About the Diamond Service Awards
As a salute to outstanding employees in the Bloomington tourism, hospitality and retail industries, Bloomington, Minnesota Travel & Tourism created the Bloomington Diamond Service Awards. This event honors and recognizes fifteen exceptional individuals on the front lines of hospitality who contribute to Bloomington’s success as a friendly, world-class destination. A special Spirit of Hospitality award honors an individual or company who has made a significant contribution to the travel industry. This award embodies the spirit of commitment to the success and future of Minnesota and Bloomington as a world-class visitor destination.
26th ANNUAL DIAMOND SERVICE AWARDS SPONSORS
Platinum Sponsors
Mall of America®
Aspiring Designs
AVEX
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington - Minneapolis South
Greenspring Media Group
Nickelodeon Universe®
Gala Sponsors
Crayola Experience
SEA LIFE at Mall of America
US Foods
Wink World
Diamond Sponsors
Capital One
FlyOver America
Lufthansa
Contributing Sponsors
Best Western Hotels
Bix Produce
FASTSIGNS Bloomington
Great Wolf Lodge Minneapolis / Bloomington
Xcel Energy
Beverage Sponsors
Nine Mile Brewing
O'Shaughnessy Distillery Co
Note that additional event images will be added in the near future.
26th Annual Recipients
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2024 Spirit of Hospitality
Minnesota Sports and Events
Congratulations to Minnesota Sports and Events, the recipient of this year’s Spirit of Hospitality Award, presented annually to an individual or company who has made a significant contribution to the travel and hospitality industry.
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2024 Hospitality Hall of Fame
Eric Baker • Executive Chef • Hilton Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport • 32 years of service
Eric Baker, an esteemed culinary professional, led as Executive Chef at Hilton Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport for 32 years. Recognized by the American Culinary Federation, he earned prestigious awards like Chef of the Year and the Central Education Award. Eric’s culinary excellence and mentorship left an enduring impact, fostering a vibrant kitchen culture. Beyond the stove, he excelled as a competitive ice carver and dedicated mentor. Though he retired in 2020, his legacy thrives through his passion for photography and continued involvement in fundraising events. Eric’s commitment to culinary artistry and mentorship has left an indelible mark on the hospitality industry.
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2024 Hospitality Hall of Fame
Luis Blanco, Head of Housekeeping • Hyatt Place Minneapolis Airport-South • 50 years of service
With 50 years of combined service at Hyatt Place Minneapolis Airport-South and Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Airport, Luis Blanco embodies excellence and dedication. Luis’s leadership as Head of Housekeeping has set a standard of excellence, exceeding guest expectations and inspiring his team. Beyond his technical proficiency, Luis’s genuine kindness and unwavering support create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. His impact extends beyond the hotel, with active community involvement reflecting his generosity and compassion. A true leader and inspiration, Luis’s legacy is a testament to his exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and profound impact on both the hotel and community.
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2024 Hospitality Hall of Fame
Rodney Fors, General Manager • Crowne Plaza Bloomington • 42 years of service
Rodney Fors epitomizes dedication and longevity in the hospitality industry. With over 55 illustrious years in the industry as a whole, Rodney ascended the ranks to retire as General Manager of Crowne Plaza Bloomington. Not content with retirement, he resumed a part-time accounting position at Courtyard Edina Bloomington in April 2023. Rodney’s impact extends beyond managerial roles; he fosters relationships and mentors aspiring professionals, shaping the careers of many in Bloomington’s burgeoning hotel market. A fixture in the community for over 40 years, Rodney’s insights and dedication to guest experience remain invaluable.
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2024 Hospitality Hall of Fame
Kevin Westlund, Cook • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington - Minneapolis South • 42 years of service
Kevin Westlund is an icon of the culinary world, dedicating 42 years to crafting exceptional banquet experiences. As the cold prep and morning breakfast cook, Kevin’s commitment shines through in every dish he prepares. With meticulous attention to special dietary needs, Kevin ensures every guest receives not only delicious but also safe meals. His unwavering loyalty and leadership during transitions set him apart, making Kevin a cornerstone of culinary excellence and guest satisfaction.
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Best Bartender
Travis Hanson • Radisson Blu Mall of America
FINALISTS: Santiago Bravo Cruz • Cantina Laredo, Chelsea Evans • Hazelwood Food + Drink, James Joseph • Courtyard by Marriott Bloomington by Mall of America, William Reynolds • Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport
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Best Engineer / Maintenance Personnel
Emily Perez • SEA LIFE at Mall of America
FINALISTS: Ricardo Acosta • Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington, Neyser Belen • Hyatt Place Minneapolis Airport-South, Elizabeth Kaltenhauser • SEA LIFE at Mall of America, Robert Niznik • Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Airport
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Best Food Production Personnel
John Conliffe • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington-Minneapolis South
FINALISTS: Angela Aguirre • Hyatt Place Minneapolis Airport-South, Chris Cordova • Cambria Hotel Bloomington Mall of America, Pedro Rodriguez • Hazelwood Food + Drink, Piero Zolezzi • Hyatt Regency Bloomington - Minneapolis
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Best Guest Relations Personnel (Hotel) - Tie
Todd Hanson • Hyatt Regency Bloomington - Minneapolis
FINALISTS: Samuel Horton • Hyatt Regency Bloomington - Minneapolis, Vanessa Hutchinson • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington-Minneapolis South, Marjon Khan • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington-Minneapolis South
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Best Guest Relations Personnel (Hotel) - Tie
Azariah Raspberry • Radisson Blu Mall of America
FINALISTS: Samuel Horton • Hyatt Regency Bloomington - Minneapolis, Vanessa Hutchinson • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington-Minneapolis South, Marjon Khan • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington-Minneapolis South
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Best Guest Relations Personnel (Retail/Attraction)
Nicholas In • Mall of America
FINALISTS: Jonathon Freeman • Great Wolf Lodge, Kamil Kasin • Nickelodeon Universe, Eli Robinson • SEA LIFE at Mall of America • Jay Silvernail • Nickelodeon Universe, Natalie Wass • Nickelodeon Universe
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Best Hospitality Administration
Amber Dowdell • Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Airport
FINALISTS: Cheryl Benson • Radisson Blu Mall of America, Jessica Kaiser • Radisson Blu Mall of America, Katie MacEachern • JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America, Brenna Wood • Courtyard by Marriott Edina Bloomington
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Best Hotel Guest Services (Full Service)
Dennis Damjanovich • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington-Minneapolis South
FINALISTS: Ellie Johnson • Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington, Alaetra Long • Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Airport, Melissa Pumper • Radisson Blu Mall of America, Margret Tavai Tuisalo'o • Radisson Blu Mall of America
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Best Hotel Guest Services (Limited Service)
Angelo Rosales • TownePlace Suites Minneapolis Mall of America
FINALISTS: Oscar Ayala • Residence Inn by Marriott Bloomington by Mall of America, Tristan Burrow • Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Bloomington at Mall of America/Park Plaza Minneapolis Mall of America, Kateryn I. Lopez-Mendoza • Residence Inn by Marriott Bloomington by Mall of America, Jessica Sanchez • Courtyard by Marriott Bloomington by Mall of America
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Best Housekeeping Personnel (Full Service)
Jose Rubio • Hyatt Regency Bloomington-Minneapolis
FINALISTS: Ronald Battles • Great Wolf Lodge, Sayuri Francisco • JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America, Indranie Jaddunath • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington-Minneapolis South, Oscar Riano • Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Airport
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Best Housekeeping Personnel (Limited Service)
Rosario Chavez • Tru by Hilton/Home2 Suites
FINALISTS: Nairoby Abarca Eligio • Courtyard by Marriott Edina Bloomington, Lourdes Alvarez • Tru by Hilton/Home2 Suites, Maria Artola • Courtyard by Marriott Bloomington by Mall of America, Aracely Prudencio de Sibrian • Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Bloomington at Mall of America/Park Plaza Minneapolis Mall of America
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Best Retail Personnel
Robin Albus • Mall of America
FINALISTS: Kinnarone Pimpadubsee • Nickelodeon Universe, Morgan Turner • SEA LIFE at Mall of America, David Wren • Lindt Chocolate
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Best Banquet / Catering Personnel
Natalie Deiley • Radisson Blu Mall of America
FINALISTS: Kelly Ekerholm • Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington, Adrian Guallpa Lema • Hyatt Regency Bloomington-Minneapolis, Manuel Robles • JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America, Jeff Strack • Courtyard by Marriott Bloomington by Mall of America
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Best Restaurant Personnel
Jessica York • Smack Shack
FINALISTS: Christopher Lind • Pizza Novara, Mario Martinez • Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, Megan Muff • West Side Perk, Christopher Summers • Hazelwood Food + Drink
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Best Hotel Restaurant Personnel
Megan Tesmer • Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport
FINALISTS: Adel Barbouche • Sheraton Bloomington Hotel, Victoria Rios • JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America, Biljana Saad • DoubleTree by Hotel Hilton Bloomington-Minneapolis South, Leonna Williams • Hyatt Regency Bloomington-Minneapolis
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Best Transportation Personnel
John Scaglia • Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington
FINALISTS: Bob Bailey • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington-Minneapolis South, Molly Glenn • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington-Minneapolis South, Kenny Lane • Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Airport, Donald Schuster • Courtyard by Marriott Bloomington by Mall of America
