Tourism employees of the year named

Richard Goldman, executive director of the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & the Beaches Visitors & Convention Bureau, informed local reporters at Historic City News that, as part of a Tourism State of the Union Address, the top eleven tourism employees in St. Johns County were honored today.

During ceremonies conducted at the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village, the eleven finalists for the honor of “Tourism Employee of the Year” were selected from among the 11,000 people employed in the tourism industry in St. Johns County.

In the lodging category, Nellie Ott-White from the sales department at the Holiday Isle Oceanfront Resort in St. Augustine Beach was named as the 2011 Tourism Employee of the Year. Her career in the hospitality industry began many years ago at the Ponce de Leon Golf and Conference Resort. For the past 17 years, she has been a member of the sales department at Holiday Isle where she has excelled at making group planning so easy that they return year after year. Many meeting planners ask specifically for “Miss Nellie”. Her co-workers insist Nellie’s enthusiasm can be felt throughout the resort.

Adam Shockey, the general manager of Tour St. Augustine, was selected as the top employee in the attractions category. With previous experience in the cruise line industry, he quickly created a successful marketing plan for the company. His approach is to provide the best possible experience for every visitor – from fourth graders on a school trip to senior citizens on an excursion to historic St. Augustine. In addition, he works diligently with the Chamber of Commerce and the Visitors and Convention Bureau to further promote St. Johns County as an appealing destination for visitors and potential visitors.

In addition to Shockey and Ott-White, the other finalists for Tourism Employee of the year were: Mia Bain, City Walks Tours; Tim Barnett, Courtyard Marriott St. Augustine; David Connelly, Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa; Jessica Cook, Ponte Vedra Inn and Club; Scott Fogg, The Lodge and Club; Donna Laager, Casa Monica Hotel; Frank Smith, San Sebastian Winery; Michael Vrooman, The Lodge and Club; and Lauren Wallace, Renaissance World Golf Village Resort.

“It’s not only the exemplary work of these finalists, but also the daily successes of thousands of other outstanding employees that insure tourism remains the lifeblood of St. Johns County,” said Goldman. “Despite an economy that is less than perfect for vacations, St. Johns County has continued to record positive increases in visitation for 13 consecutive months – that’s something very few destinations can report.”