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February 2012 Award Winner
The February Western Hospitality Award was presented to Tyler Bergien, DDS of Alpine Dentistry. Dr. Bergien was nominated for the Western Hospitality Award for the extraordinary service he provided to Alex H., a German tourist in need of assistance. Alex was with a tour group vising Jackson Hole this summer when he came down with a terrible toothache. He found the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Administrative Offices just off Town Square where Rick Howe, Director of Visitor Services, connected Alex with Dr. Bergien at Alpine Dentistry. Dr. Bergien was able to make quick accommodations for Alex, fixing an abscessed tooth that could have led to an infection, and possibly a hospitalization, if it wasn’t addressed. After the tooth was fixed, Stone Drug rushed to fill a necessary prescription. In the end, Alex was able to reconnect with his tour group and enjoy the rest of his visit to Wyoming.
August 2011 Award Winner
Jenny Rowe of Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole was honored with the August Western Hospitality Award. Philip Salud, Assistant Director of Rooms for Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole, nominated Jenny for the Western Hospitality Award. Philip explained that Jenny constantly goes above and beyond. From helping guests plan perfect visits to Jackson Hole to ensuring prompt returns of misplaced wallets, Jenny's work is a positive light in the community. Jenny is part of the leadership team for the Four Seasons Resort Relay for Life Cancer Research fundraiser. She leads multiple fundraisers throughout the year, including bake sales, breakfast burrito sales, and a Frisbee golf tournament and silent auction that raised more than $2,500. The Membership Committee of the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Jenny for being a glowing example of Western Hospitality!
April 2011 Award Winner
Carl and Sheryl H. came to visit Jackson Hole on their honeymoon and enjoyed an excursion with Togwotee Snowmobile Adventures. According to Carl, "the service didn't stop when my wife and I were dropped off that evening." He continued that when the trip was over, they had forgotten to retrieve personal belongings that had been secured in their snowmobile gear -- including the brand new wedding rings. The couple was in the middle of a very gloomy dinner when "halfway through our meal, my wife (a fantastic lady, by the way) facing the door of the restaurant got a look on her face and immediately covered her mouth in surprise. You see, at the front door talking to the hostess was our guide. Instead of going home to be with his wife and two-year-old daughter, Tessa, he went out of his way to drive back to Teton Village...and came to our table to return the jewelry."
Carl and Sheryl were obviously very impressed by Ben's kindness. Carl said, "Mr. Ben Smith, was more than our guide that day. To my wife and I, he was also a gentleman that reminded us of just how good a person could be." Carl concluded his letter with further compliments to Ben and to the staff: "You just need to know that you have a very decent and highly customer service focused individual working in your organization by the name of Ben Smith! Not to leave out the rest of the team there at Togwotee Snowmobile Adventures. They were wonderful ambassadors of ARAMARK as well."
February 2011 Award Winner
The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Membership Committee is pleased to announce that the February Western Hospitality Award was presented to Frances Salud of Homewood Suites by Hilton. Frances was selected for the award after the Membership Committee received multiple nominations from guests who appreciated her great kindness and helpful nature. Jane M. of New Jersey recently visited Jackson Hole and stayed at Homewood Suites. Jane said that Frances was exceptionally friendly and helpful: “She definitely made our stay at the Homewood Suite and Jackson Hole a memorable experience.” Jane continued, “Ms. Salud is a truly caring individual who clearly enjoys what she does and wants her guests to feel like they were at a home away from home. We were thoroughly delighted by Ms. Salud and our stay at Jackson Hole.”
Frances will receive a prize package from Grand Teton Lodge Company, including lunch at John Colter’s Café Court, a night’s stay in a Classic Cottage Room at Jackson Lake Lodge, and a Scenic Park Bus Tour. The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Grand Teton Lodge Company for supporting the spirit of Western Hospitality in Jackson Hole!
October 2010 Award Winner
The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Membership Committee is pleased to announce that Caesar Ramos-Tzompa of The Rustic Inn has been presented the Western Hospitality Award. Caesar will receive an adventure package from Grand Teton Lodge Company as well as a photo package from Judge Roy Bean's Old Time Photos and Weddings. Mitzi M. of Pardeeville, Wisconsin nominated Caesar for the Western Hospitality Award. Mitzi and her daughter had become lost after a long adventure in Yellowstone National Park. It was long past dark and Mitzi had been unable to make contact with the lodging property she had reserved in Teton Village. Hungry and tired, Mitzi and her daughter stopped in at The Rustic Inn to seek directions. Caesar took time to contact the lodging property and to confirm Mitzi's reservation. Mitzi said, "Once he reached our hotel and confirmed our room, he gave us a regional map and clearly marked out the route to our hotel." She concluded, "He was so kind and considerate. He made a hectic evening seem so much better."
July 2010 Award Winner
The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Membership Committee is pleased to announce that Eric Buthmann of Snow King Resort has been awarded the Western Hospitality Award for July. Kathleen Beliveau and her two children were staying at Snow King Resort during a long trip across the country. Her trailer hitch had been causing problems and as she was preparing to depart from Jackson, it was obvious that the hitch needed to be fixed. Eric Buthmann took time from his busy schedule to work on the trailer hitch and got Beliveau up and running! Beliveau appreciated the "emotional and practical support" that Buthmann provided. She said, "Without this, we could not have been able to continue our journey." The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Membership Committee would like to extend their thanks to Eric Buthmann for going above and beyond the call of duty and helping a stranded traveler. Buthmann received a prize package from Grand Teton Lodge Company, including lodging, a lake cruise, and breakfast at the Pioneer Grill! Check our blog for photos and more information!
 April 2010 Award Winner
Sharon Kuehn of Spring Creek Ranch won the April Western Hospitality Award. Sharon demonstrated extraordinary customer service during a stormy weekend in February. As a severe winter storm swept across the country, Sharon acted to save two guests the great inconvenience of being stuck at the airport. She worked with the airlines to verify confirmations and cancellations of various flights. As times were verified, Sharon contacted each guest. She assisted one guest in rearranging a flight and assisted another by accommodating the unexpectedly extended stay. Sharon will receive a summer adventure from Grand Teton Lodge Company that will include an overnight stay for two at Jackson Lake Lodge, breakfast for two at John Colter's Ranch House Restaurant, and a scenic float trip for two on the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park. She will also receive a Summer Fun Pass at Grand Targhee Resort! Please check our blog for photos and more information!
January 2010 Award Winner
Charlee Starr of the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar won January's Western Hospitality Award. Howard Rintel of Jackson, NJ, nominated Ms. Starr for going the extra mile to return his misplaced wallet. Mr. Rintel said, "It must be nice to live in a town where people are kind to strangers and honesty overrides greed. I appreciate the substantial effort needed to go the extra mile and find a way to reach us. I cannot fully express my appreciation for Jackson and how much an old 'Yankee Jacksonite' appreciates the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar and Jackson, WY." Ms. Starr received a winter adventure package with prizes from Teton Springs Lodge and Spa, Grand Targhee Resort, and National Elk Refuge sleigh ride tickets!
October 2009 Award Winner
Bill Friend and Jim Brinkerhoff won October's Western Hospitality Award. Bill and Jim have both contributed countless hours volunteering at the Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center. Tim O'Donoghue, Executive Director for the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce said, "Both of you are willing to go the extra step forward to help the Chamber and the community." And talk about friendly faces! Bill and Jim meet thousands of visitors each summer and help by answering questions and giving advice about Jackson Hole. For more information about the Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center, visit http://www.fs.fed.us/jhgyvc. Jim and Bill received prizes from Cascade Grill, The Teton Club and Teton Motors.
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