LINCOLN, Neb. (May 6, 2022) -To celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week, Nebraska Tourism recognized seven tourism employees from across the state with the Outstanding Frontline Employee Award.
This award honors individuals who go above and beyond while interacting with travelers and locals. They strive to enhance visitors’ experiences and demonstrate high levels of customer service and pride in their destination. Nebraska tourism industry members were encouraged to submit nominations for outstanding frontline employees in their community.
“We are lucky to have so many dedicated frontline workers serving visitors in Nebraska,” said John Ricks, Nebraska Tourism executive director. “Our tourism industry relies on employees like these who create positive experiences for others, and we are pleased to recognize them for their work.”
The 2022 Outstanding Frontline Employee Award recipients are:
Gene Hunt
Fort Kearny State Historical Park/Fort Kearny State Recreation Area, Kearney
As park superintendent, Gene has gone above and beyond to make sure that both Fort Kearny State Historical Park and Fort Kearny State Recreation Area have been welcoming places to visit for more than 50 years. He’s also been awarded the Celebrate Tourism Award for the work and dedication he has displayed.
Sally Miller
Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center, Wood River
Sally has assisted visitors as Outreach Specialist at the Nature Center for more than 10 years and put a great deal of thought and effort into visitor experience in the gift shop. She goes above and beyond to make sure each visitor has a wonderful experience and leaves with a special reminder of their visit. Sally is also valued for her experience and ability to remain cool and calm.
Nihad Silo
Hyatt Place, Lincoln
Nihad, breakfast host at Lincoln’s Hyatt Place hotel, is an example of a hard worker who does everything she can to make her community better. She and her family came to Lincoln more than four years ago as refugees from Iraq, and Nihad has balanced providing great service at work while taking care of three children at home and becoming an American citizen.
Miriam Holder
Fontenelle Forest Nature Center, Bellevue
Miriam, who is a Visitor Services Assistant at the forest’s Nature Center, is the friendly face that visitors remember when they return home. She provides top-notch service to everyone who passes through and has appeared on Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom.
Sara Dahlkoetter
Hampton Inn, Norfolk
Sara has been Front Desk Manager for 14 years and provides positivity and top-notch customer service to everyone she meets. Her humor, sympathy and knowledge she shares with visitors makes everyone feels welcome and connected to the area. Because of Sara’s dedication guests remember her name and remember the community they visit.
Linda Lacy
CaLinda’s Pot Shop & Art Gallery, Ashby
Linda has made an impact not only through her various mediums of pottery and paintings at her shop and gallery, but also through her willingness to pass on her art and knowledge through youth and adult education. She has deep ties and passion for her heritage in the Nebraska Sandhills.
Lisa Jones, Monica Poppe and Billie Muehlenkamp
Soulful Salvage, Grant
As owners and operators of Soulful Salvage and “purveyor’s & recirculators of fine heirloom junk,” these ladies create repurposed custom pieces and updates for home décor. The store is not only a popular destination, but also provides a creative, welcoming spirit to all who pass through.
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