Local hospitality leader receives statewide recognition

A local hospitality leader received statewide recognition at the 2021 Stars of the Industry awards ceremony.

Christina McCall, of Pinehurst Resort, won Lodging Manager of the Year Tuesday at The Pavilion at the Angus Barn in Raleigh. The event was hosted by the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (NCRLA).

McCall won the award for her incredible work ethic and commitment to the Pinehurst Resort employees.

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, McCall shifted her focus from normal day-to-day resort operations to helping its laid-off workers by providing sizable care packages. She utilized her connections with resort partners and vendors to develop the care packages weekly, hand-delivered in an employee parking lot drive-through, complete with essential household supplies, food, recipes, and other treats.

The ceremony was streamed online as a virtual event for friends, family and industry supporters to safely celebrate McCall and nine other North Carolina hospitality workers for their achievements.

At a time when restaurants, hotels and bars are reeling from business and job losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Stars of the Industry awards afforded North Carolina’s hospitality community a chance to reflect and honor the selfless contributions and stories of inspiration from within the industry.

Award recipients were selected based on their exemplary service, leadership, innovation and dedication to the restaurant and lodging industries. Two members of the NC General Assembly, Representative Julia Howard and Senator Chuck Edwards, were also recognized for their consistent support of the state’s business growth and needs.

“Even in these extraordinary times, the hospitality industry is brimming with outstanding leaders who are raising the bar for excellence in performance, service and commitment to the industry,” said NCRLA President and CEO Lynn Minges. “We are proud to recognize the hardworking men and women that continue to give back to their communities every day, even amid the challenges the industry faces today.”

The other 2021 NCRLA Stars of the Industry award recipients are:

Restaurateurs of the Year | Charles Winston Jr. & Wil O’Neal, Winston’s Grille;

Restaurant Manager of the Year | Terriann Biagi, The Raleigh Times;

Restaurant Employee of the Year | Mai Nguyen, Sitti;

Lodging Operator of the Year | Tiffany Tucker, Canopy by Hilton Southpark;

Lodging Employee of the Year | Marie Mosoti, Omni Charlotte Hotel;

Hospitality Supplier of the Year | Kevin Osterman & Wayne Hilston, Employers;

Charitable Champion | Emily Ballard, Emily Ballard Photography;

Hospitality Champion, House | Representative Julia Howard, NC General Assembly;

Hospitality Champion, Senate | Senator Chuck Edwards, NC General Assembly;

Griff & June Glover Award | Steve Thanhauser, Angus Barn;

Ken Conrad Award | The Huebner Family, F & D Huebner.

 

Courtesy photo/Contributed.

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