Annual Awards Program

The Easy to Love Customer Service Award is an annual award given by the Richmond Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (RMCVB) to recognize the importance of frontline hospitality employees to the tourism industry. The award recognizes one Richmond Region employee who has shown exceptional commitment and consistently provides high-quality customer service beyond the normal call of duty.

Customer Service Award

The individual must be a Richmond Region non-management frontline employee who has personal contact with both business and leisure travelers, or a behind-the-scenes service employee who can enhance the visitor experience. Please nominate an employee based on the following criteria:
• First Impression
• Communication Skills
• Exceeds Customer Expectations
• Handles Problems Effectively
• Lasting Impression

Tourism Leadership - NEW!

Recognizes an individual who best exemplifies outstanding leadership in the pursuit of excellence and who has advanced the tourism industry. The winning nominee will have dedicated many years to tourism and nominations may include contributions over an entire career or for a recent, notable single accomplishment. Judging will consider accomplishments, innovation, performance, empowerment of others, integrity and respect.

**This individual examples all the qualities of a good leader while directing and motivating his/her staff and ultimately driving tourism and increasing visitation to the Richmond Region.

Rising Star - NEW!

Recognizes extraordinary on-the-job performance by a person new to the travel and tourism industry. Nominees must have worked five years or less in the Tourism industry in the Richmond Region. Nominations will be evaluated on leadership, enthusiasm for the industry, innovation, successful programs or events and other performance-related accomplishments. The nominee should be an effective advocate for the goals of the industry to the public, the government and others in the industry. Should be recognized as building value for the industry among consumers and companies in the industry; success in solving problems central to the practice or well-being of the industry and show a reputation of leadership amongst industry peers while challenging the industry to greater achievement Employers, supervisors or colleagues may nominate individuals.

Nomination Procedure

To nominate someone for an award submit a written statement, no more than one page in length, explaining why this employee should be recognized.

At the top of your submission, please provide the following about the nominee:
• Name, Title and Organization
• Address and Phone Number
• Date Started in Travel and Tourism
• Years in Current Position
• Job Description
• Supervisor's Name and Title
Please also include your name, title, organization and contact information.

*Nominations must be delivered to RMCVB by Friday, March 29, 2013 and may be sent by:
• Fax: 804.780.2577, Attn: Tamera Wilkins
• Mail: RMCVB, Attn: Tamera Wilkins; 401 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA 23219
• E-mail: twilkins@richmondva.org (attachments should be sent in Microsoft Word format)
The 2013 Award winners will be notified by Monday, April 8, 2013.
Questions? Please contact Tamera Wilkins at 804.783.7410 or twilkins@richmondva.org

Entries are judged by a committee and are considered on their own merit according to stated criteria and are not in competition with other entries in the category. Decisions of the judges are final.

Previous Customer Service Award Winners

2011
Brian Mitchell
Comfort Suites at Virginia Center Commons

2010
Selwyn Lorelike
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Glen Allen

2009
Rena Baugher
Hilton Garden Inn Richmond Downtown

2008
Jimmy Haynes
Sheraton Richmond West