The South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (SCRLA) honored Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island's Jay Wiendl as Hotel Manager of the Year and Kerri Creedon as Restaurant Manager of the Year at the 2017 SC Hospitality Stars of the Industry Awards on Monday, January 29 in Myrtle Beach.
General Manager Jay Wiendl was recognized for his consistent leadership that empowers his team to strive for excellence and ensure guest satisfaction. He has served as chairman of the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce for the last three years and also serves on the board of directors for Shipyard Plantation and the advisory boards for USC-Beaufort and the Technical College of the Lowcountry. Wiendl developed a partnership program with Hilton Head High School that hires its students and gives back to the school through guidance and monetary donations. He also enjoys being his son's baseball coach.
Wiendl was instrumental in bringing ABC's The Bachelorette to Hilton Head Island and hosting the crew and cast for several weeks. The resort has grown its staff by 100 full-time employees within the last five years due to revenue growth. The results of his hard work are displayed through the resort’s best in class customer, community and employee satisfaction ratings—the highest within Sonesta.
Restaurant Manager Kerri Creedon is responsible for the training and development of staff members in key positions within all restaurants at Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. She is known by her team as a solid leader that continues to exhibit tremendous dedication to growing the resort and the behind-the-scenes preparations that continue to orchestrate masterful culinary experience for guests. With her management, the service staff is ingrained with the most professional service skills in order to guarantee that guests have first-class experiences while dining at the resort. Creedon has helped increase the food and beverage outlet operations’ revenue by $750,000 from 2016 to 2017. The resort's restaurant service scores are also the highest within Sonesta.
"The entire Sonesta team is honored to have two managers receive such distinguished awards widely recognized throughout the hospitality and lodging industry in South Carolina," said Lorie Juliano, Corporate Director of Communication for Sonesta. "Both awards exemplify the resort's expert, professional and accommodating staff."
"On behalf of Sonesta Hotels & Resorts, I cannot be more proud of our hardworking and dedicated staff, especially our awarded managers – Jay and Kerri," said Mark Sherwin, Executive Vice President Operations for Sonesta. "Having an exceptional staff and providing excellent service to our customers and guests has always been, and will continue to be, a high priority for Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island."
For more information about Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island, visit Sonesta.com/HiltonHeadIsland or call (843) 842-2400.
About Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island, a AAA-approved Four Diamond Resort, is the ultimate beach destination for vacationers, special events and those looking for the perfect weekend getaway. Relax, dine and explore the first-class amenities that include five onsite dining options and beach bars, Arum health spa, fitness center, 24-hour business center and lagoon-style swimming pool, all while staying in one of 340 cozy guest rooms and suites overlooking the lush gardens. The resort also features 22,500 square feet of meeting and event space, including a beachfront Pavilion—perfect for weddings and special occasions. Complimentary transportation is provided to and from the world-class golf and tennis offerings available within Hilton Head's Shipyard Plantation. Explore, unwind and treat yourself at Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island.
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