Contact: David Zuba, Publicist, Media Relations/Communications
609-343-5980, dzuba@njcrda.com
ABSECON LIGHTHOUSE’S JEAN MUCHANIC TO RECEIVE 2015 SPIRIT OF HOSPITALITY AWARD AT ANNUAL HOST AWARDS IN MAY
Miss America 2015 Kira Kazantsev will present awards to Host Award recipients
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – (Friday, February 6, 2015) – The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) will name Jean Muchanic, executive director of Absecon Lighthouse, as the Spirit of Hospitality honoree during this year’s Host Awards on May 6. Presented each year at the Annual Atlantic City Host y Awards banquet, the Spirit of Hospitality Award is bestowed upon an outstanding individual who has made a long-lasting and significant contribution to the Atlantic City region’s hospitality and travel industry. Most importantly, this award embodies the recipient’s spirit and dedication to serving the visitors who come to Atlantic City.
Since January 2005, Jean Muchanic has been the consummate cheerleader and champion for the Historic Absecon Lighthouse’s cause. Under her leadership, the lighthouse has increased visitation by 132% and admissions revenue by 85% since 2005. As a certified wedding officiate, Muchanic performs weddings at the lighthouse throughout the year and during the annual Valentine’s Day Vow Renewal ceremony. Muchanic has also served on the boards for the Advocates of New Jersey History, South Jersey Cultural Alliance, Greater Atlantic City Public Relations Council and the New Jersey Arthritis Foundation.
“I am just one guardian and lightkeeper in a long line of them since 1857 and it’s my duty to make sure that the lighthouse, Keeper’s Cottage and grounds remain an example of the history and beauty of our seaside resort,” said Muchanic. “As an anchor in the south inlet, it is my sincere hope that everyone in our area will visit the lighthouse and I’m not stopping until that goal is a reality.”
Past recipients of the Spirit of Hospitality Award include Anthony Catanoso, owner of Steel Pier (2014); The Dougherty Family, owners of Knife and Fork Inn, Dock’s Oyster House and Harry’s Oyster Bar (2013); and former Atlantic City Special Improvement District Executive Director, City of Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian (2003).
This year’s Annual Host Awards will take place on Wednesday, May 6 in the Adrian Phillips Ballroom at Historic Boardwalk Hall. Registration and reception commence at 5:30 pm with the formal dinner and awards ceremony beginning at 6:30 pm. Tickets are available for $65 per person or $650 for a table of 10 by calling Jacqueline Carole, Chairperson, Atlantic City Host Awards at 609-449-7174.
A special guest, Miss America 2015 Kira Kazantsev, will be in attendance and on stage this year to greet and present all recipients with their respective Host Award.
Also, a new scholarship will presented this year in memory of the late Howard Bacharach, who passed away last August at 74. Bacharach was a 15-year Atlantic City Host Committee member, former executive director of the Atlantic City Hotel & Lodging Association and volunteer with many worthwhile organizations throughout the region.
Twenty-seven awards are once again up for grabs this year in the following categories: Best Server, Fine Dining, non-casino; Best Server, Casual Dining, non-casino; Best Server, Fine Dining Casino Restaurant; Best Server, Casual Dining Casino Restaurant; Best Server, Banquet/Catering; Best Food and Beverage Support; Best Bartender; Best Host/Hostess; Best Visitor Information Service Personnel (Thomas G. Henning Award); Best Retail Sales Associate; Best Valet; Best Door Person; Best Bell Person; Best Room Service Personnel; Best Butler; Best Room Attendant/Housekeeper; Best Food Production Personnel; Best Guest Services/Concierge; Best Heart/Back of the House Personnel; Best Reservationist; Best Security Personnel; Best Casino Games Personnel (Ray Kot Award); Best Casino Support Personnel; Best Public Area Personnel; Best Cashier; Best Cocktail Server; and Best Spa Personnel.
Nomination forms may be found at https://njcrda.com/foundation-program/host-awards/ along with detailed descriptions of each category. Nomination forms may be typed and printed directly from your computer while hard copies are available by contacting Jacqueline Carole at 609-449-7174. All nominations must be mailed or delivered to the CRDA, 2314 Pacific Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 and received no later than Monday, March 23. The nomination committee, which is comprised of hospitality and business professionals, will review all submissions in confidence.
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About the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) www.njcrda.com
The only agency of its kind nationwide, the CRDA has used Atlantic City casino reinvestments as a catalyst for meaningful, positive improvement in the lives of New Jersey residents, investing nearly $2 billion in more than 400 projects statewide since 1984. Under the 2011 Tourism District Act, CRDA’s mission evolved from statewide projects to becoming the state’s key economic development agency for Atlantic City. CRDA responsibilities expanded to include land use regulation, clean and safe initiatives, tourism marketing, ownership and oversight of the Atlantic CityConvention Center and Boardwalk Hall, and partnership with the Atlantic City Alliance to brand and market Atlantic City. The former ACCVA, now a division of CRDA, is the first destination marketing organization in New Jersey to achieve prestigious Destination Marketing Accreditation by the Destination Marketing Association International.
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