Atlantic City Honors Its Hospitality Stars at 25th Annual Host Awards

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (May 9, 2024) – The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) recognized 129 individuals for their exemplary service to visitors at the 25^th Annual Atlantic City Host Awards and Spirit of Hospitality Award, held on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in the Adrian Phillips Theater at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. Saluting the front-line and back-of-the-house employees who are the backbone of Atlantic City’s hospitality industry, the annual event encourages outstanding customer service and recognizes those who contribute to the resort’s success as a world-class tourism destination.

Speakers and presenters at the event included CRDA Executive Director Eric Scheffler, CRDA Deputy Executive Director Maisha Moore, Visit Atlantic City CEO Larry Sieg (master of ceremonies), Miss New Jersey Victoria Mozitis, and CRDA Manager of Marketing Partnerships Doreen Prinzo.

“It’s a privilege for us to continue to shine a spotlight on the exceptional individuals in Atlantic City’s hospitality sector,” said NJ CRDA Director of Communications & Marketing Karen Martin. “These remarkable honorees truly epitomize dedication and a commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for our visitors. My heartfelt congratulations go out to all of this year’s well-deserving award winners.”

The 27 Atlantic City Host Award winners were selected from more than 250 nominees by a selection committee consisting of educators and representatives from Stockton University, Atlantic Cape Community College, Local 54, Marriott Vacation Club International, Masterpiece Advertising, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Visit Atlantic City, and the Chicken Bone Beach Foundation.

As part of this year’s ceremony, the annual “Spirit of Hospitality” Award was given to Scott Cronick, WOND radio personality, journalist, and co-owner of the Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall. The award honors an outstanding individual who has made a long-lasting contribution to the Atlantic City tourism and hospitality industry.

Scott has many years in the Atlantic City hospitality industry, writing for the Press of Atlantic City, then becoming editor of the At The Shore and Atlantic City Weekly.  Scott believes in Atlantic City and has invested in Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall at the Orange Loop. He has also created events to boost tourism, including Burger Fest, Wing Wars, and several music and marketplaces at the Orange Loop. Scott is also a radio personality on WOND talking about new projects, interviewing restaurant and event owners, and keeping everyone up-to-date on Atlantic City news.

Also at the event, the CRDA Foundation and Greater Atlantic City Concierge Association awarded five scholarships to students pursuing degrees in hospitality from Stockton University (Blake Ferraro, Tyler McDonnell, Alessia Odato, Jack Schiavo, and Kaylie Shannon). The CRDA hopes to encourage quality education for future employees in the hospitality industry.

2024 Scholarship Awards from the CRDA Foundation & Greater Atlantic City Concierge Association:

Blake Ferraro – Stockton University – $1,500

Tyler McDonnell – Stockton University – $1,000

Alessia Odato – Stockton University – $2,500

Jack Schiavo – Stockton University – $1,500

Kaylie Shannon – Stockton University – $1,500

PHOTOS & CAPTIONS

Photo Credit:  AC Photo

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About the CRDA:
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 since 1984.  Under the 2011 Tourism District Act, the Authority’s mission evolved from statewide projects to becoming the state’s key economic development agency for Atlantic City.  CRDA’s expanded responsibilities now include land use regulation, tourism marketing and clean and safe initiatives. The CRDA also oversees Historic Boardwalk Hall (the leading entertainment venue of its size in the country) and the Atlantic City Convention Center.  In total, CRDA has invested nearly $2 billion in more than 400 projects statewide, of which $1.8 billion has been invested in Atlantic City, spurring business investments and expansions, and creating permanent jobs in the process. For more information about CRDA and our projects, visit www.njcrda.com.  Follow us on X at www.twitter.com/njcrda or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NJCRDA.

For complete Atlantic City tourism information, visit www.atlanticcitynj.com, and follow us on Facebook,  Instagram, X, and YouTube.