Visit Tuscaloosa Presents Awards At Annual Tourism Bash

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Visit Tuscaloosa earlier this month honored several accomplished Tuscaloosa County hotel and hospitality partners as part of its third annual Tuscaloosa Tourism Bash at the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center.

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Five individuals were named Tuscaloosa County Hospitality Champions of the Year at the awards on Dec. 11 in four award categories: Hotel General Manager of the Year, Restaurant General Manager of the Year, Hotel Sales Professional of the Year and Archibald-Williams Hospitality Trailblazer.

“We are so proud to honor key contributors to Tuscaloosa’s flourishing experience economy,” Visit Tuscaloosa President & CEO Kelsey Rush said. “Hospitality workers in Tuscaloosa are a vital piece of providing visitors with the best possible experience. It’s a privilege to host Tuscaloosa Tourism Bash and have the opportunity to demonstrate our appreciation for their hard work and dedication.”

Here's a look at the honorees:

*Click the name of each honoree to watch the video announcing their award.

The Hotel General Manager of the Year — Dee Richardson, Embassy Suites Tuscaloosa

The Restaurant General Manager of the Year — Brittany Jones, The 205 Kitchen and Bar at Homewood Suites.

The Hotel Sales Professional of the Year — John Letourneau, Candlewood Suites Tuscaloosa, Triad Property Management.

Archibald-Williams Hospitality Trailblazers Award (presented to individuals who support the community’s hospitality industry or are in a non-managerial position at a hotel)

Lazandra Burks, Holiday Inn Express & Suites University.

Tyler Marshall, Druid City Brewing

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