Beloit-based hospitality group receives Service Excellence Award for 2021
Geronimo Hospitality Group proudly announces it has received the Wisconsin Governor’s Tourism Award for Service Excellence. The group was honored for its Employee Meal Program which served 2,139 fully prepared family meals to employees during the earliest phases of the pandemic. Geronimo accepted the award at the virtual 2021 Wisconsin Governor’s Conference on Tourism (WIGCOT) on May 6th.
Sponsored by the Governor’s Council on Tourism, the Governor’s Tourism Awards recognize individuals, organizations and businesses for their excellence, dedication and impact on Wisconsin’s travel and hospitality industry.
In March 2020, Geronimo launched its Employee Meal Program, an outside-the-box idea that would supply weekly, complimentary family meals to every Geronimo Hospitality Group employee at all levels of the organization - including those laid off due to the pandemic - cooked by Geronimo’s culinary team and served carryout style by the restaurant and hotel managers. Over the course of eight weeks, Geronimo Hospitality Group served 2,139 fully prepared meals to employees during quarantine (1,346 in Beloit and 793 in Delafield).
“Geronimo Hospitality Group is incredibly proud to accept the Governor’s Tourism Award for Service Excellence on behalf of all the folks who worked hard to make our Employee Meal Program a success,” said Jeff Whiteman, Chief Operating Officer at Geronimo Hospitality Group.
“We felt a strong need to do something meaningful for our people during a very uncertain time,” adds Klaus Nitsch, Vice President of Food and Beverage at Geronimo. “Our restaurant managers poured their heart and soul into planning and preparing employee family meals during the earliest phases of the pandemic so that for one day each week, the employee didn’t have to worry about dinner or feeding their family.”
Six recipients were presented with Governor’s Tourism Awards for their outstanding contributions to the state’s hospitality and travel industry, in these categories: Arts, Culture and Heritage; Stewardship; Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion; Legacy Awards; Rising Star; and Service Excellence.
“This past year was unlike anything we’ve ever seen, yet these outstanding nominees tackled it with creativity, passion and drive,” said Acting Secretary Anne Sayers. “I’m so proud to recognize unbelievable talent in Wisconsin’s tourism industry. Congratulations to everyone, nominees and winners alike.”
To learn more about Geronimo Hospitality Group, visit www.geronimohospitalitygroup.com.
About Geronimo Hospitality Group
Headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin, Geronimo Hospitality Group owns and operates a growing collection of award-winning, upscale boutique hotels, restaurants and clubs. Committed to providing memorable guest experiences through its genuine service and original brands, Geronimo properties are distinguished as destinations of choice for locals and travelers in the cities they operate. For more information, visit: www.geronimohospitalitygroup.com.
About the Wisconsin Department of Tourism
The mission of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism is to inspire travelers to visit Wisconsin. Because we believe in the power of exploration and travel, we work to market the state as a premier travel destination. By executing industry-leading marketing programs and establishing strategic partnerships, the Department plays a significant role in generating greater economic impact for Wisconsin through tourism. Learn more at industry.travelwisconsin.com.