AzHLA Honors "Industry Leaders Who Shine" at S.T.A.R. Gala

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CONTACT: Keeley Ast 480.205.7400 keeley@keeleyast.com

Tucson, Arizona -- (July 15, 2008) -- The room shimmered in copper, one of Arizona's distinctive elements, at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa for Arizona Hotel & Lodging Association's (AzHLA) 2008 S.T.A.R. Gala, July 9, 2008, where the stars of the state's lodging industry were honored for their remarkable contributions.

An acronym for Special Tribute And Recognition, the S.T.A.R. Gala was a celebration of elements, however, not the traditional collection of the elements: fire, water, ice and air - rather a celebration of distinctive Arizona elements - the elements of Arizona's cities and citizens and the elements that have shaped Arizona hospitality into the world-class destination sought after by millions of visitors each year.

The 2008 winners are:

AzHLA Hall of Fame:

Tom Silverman, General Manager, Chaparral Suites Resort Scottsdale

Tom Silverman, General Manager of the Chaparral Suites in Scottsdale, is a not only a philanthropist but a legacy in Arizona hospitality. Silverman has worked in all facets of Chaparral Suites during his tenure and is now teaching his own family the lodging business. The Silvermans credit their success to the employees, some of whom have been working there for decades, treating guests like family, providing rides to shops and attractions, cooking up hearty breakfasts for the free daily buffet and adding numerous other personal touches.

The Silverman Family have been donating their time, money, meeting space, and support to everything from Scottsdale Boys and Girls Clubs to nursing programs at Scottsdale Community College to Vista del Camino, the city's social services agency, to Culture Quest for half a century. In addition to giving back to his community, Tom has been a leader and advocate for the hospitality industry serving as Past Chairman of the Governor's Tourism Advisory Committee, Past President of the Arizona Hotel & Motel Association, Past Member of the Tourism Development Commission for the City of Scottsdale and most recently a Scottsdale City Council Member.

AzHLA Hotelier of the Year:

Dietrich Mayring, General Manager, Little America Hotel

Dietrich Mayring, a Bavarian-born hotelier, has impacted the hotel industry across the globe. Under his guidance, Little America Hotel has grown to great popularity as a Northern Arizona landmark, renowned for friendly service and attention to detail. Dietrich has always stressed to his staff the value of each employee's job, and the equal importance they hold in the eyes of all guests. Dietrich currently serves on the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors and continues membership as a Director for the Flagstaff Innkeepers Association. He has also served on the Arizona Hotel & Lodging Association's Board of Directors for the past three years.

AzHLA Volunteer of the Year:

Joe Armbrust, General Manager, Marriott University Park Hotel

Joe Armbrust, the General Manager of the Marriott University Park Hotel in Tucson, has been contributing to the hospitality industry for the more than 50 years. Joe's commitment to this community, industry and hotel are truly one-of-a-kind. He is an active supporter of the Juvenile Diabetes Walk, Tucson Food Bank Supporter, Tucson Heart Ball, Chamber of Commerce, Humane Society, American Cancer Society, Lance Armstrong Foundation, VFW, and the Women's 20-30 Club. The best examples of Joe's commitment to the community are the ones that are invisible to those around him; the housekeeper who has been battered and Joe arranges a room in the hotel and organizes help; the busboy or housekeeper whose possessions have been destroyed by fire and Joe helps get them back on their feet. We salute Joe for his commitment and dedication and wish him well in his retirement at the end of July.

AzHLA Allied Member of the Year:

Doug Yonko, Hensley & Co.

Doug serves as Vice President of Communications for Hensley, the nation's third largest Anheuser-Busch products distributor. Doug's commitment to the Arizona tourism industry is extraordinary. He serves on the boards of the Arizona Business Council for Alcohol Education and the Valley Hotel & Resort Association and shows his commitment to the community by assisting many philanthropic initiatives including Past President of Phoenix Clean & Beautiful and is also a member of the Phoenix Thunderbirds.

"This event is our opportunity to recognize and show our appreciate to these amazing winners, as well as our many members, Board of Directors, volunteers and staff for their support and dedication to our Lodging Industry," said Arizona Hotel & Lodging Association President & CEO Debbie Johnson. "Their contributions and accomplishments are shining examples of the countless elements that combine to create our state's revered hospitality industry."