MCHA’s Hospitality Awards Luncheon recognizes key employees in the industry
In early November, the Monterey County Hospitality Association hosted its annual recognition luncheon at the beautiful Monterey Conference Center. In attendance were local politicians, including all county supervisors, Jimmy Panetta, and Luis Alejo, several mayors and city council members from around the peninsula, and many leaders in the local hospitality industry. The luncheon attendees were treated to a sumptuous lunch while enjoying a fantastic photo presentation featuring all of this year’s nominees. Teddy Balestreri was the event emcee and introduced the various award categories and provided some background on each of the winners. Balestreri shared everyone’s appreciation for the hundreds of workers in attendance, as well as the thousands who were not there but contribute to the vibrant hospitality economy that is a major economic factor for Monterey County, saying, “You are the backbone of our industry.”The winners came forward to receive their various awards and were given an opportunity to say thank you. Most of them were not used to speaking publicly to a large group of people, but each was humble and grateful for the recognition. A group of hard-working and dedicated professionals who do everything from managing reservations to doing the laundry for a large property, it was an event that shone a light on many employees who work mostly behind the scenes to ensure a superior guest experience. Ted Balestreri, Sr. presented the legendary Papa Vince Award, sharing Papa Vince’s sentiment that “The most important ingredient in the hospitality industry is love.” The recipient of that particular award was Miguel Lopez from Bernardus Lodge & Spa, who also received a guest experience/large hotel award earlier in the day, which he dedicated to his mentor, Tim Sherman. Below is a complete list of honorees at the 2022 Hospitality Recognition Luncheon.