Stockton’s Dr. Jane Bokunewicz, Calvi Electric, and SOSH Architects also receive special recognitions
The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) recognized 25 individuals for their exemplary service to visitors at the 24th Annual Atlantic City Host and Spirit of Hospitality Awards, held on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in the Adrian Phillips Theater.
Saluting the front-line and back-of-the-house employees who are the backbone of Atlantic City’s hospitality industry, the annual event encourages outstanding customer service and recognizes those who contribute to the resort’s success as a world-class tourism destination.
Speakers and presenters at the event included CRDA Executive Director Sean Pattwell, CRDA Director of Special Improvement Division Rick Santoro (master of ceremonies), Miss New Jersey Augostina Mallous, and CRDA Manager, Marketing Partnership, Doreen Prinzo.
“It is an honor for CRDA to be able to recognize outstanding individuals within Atlantic City’s hospitality industry each year,” said CRDA Executive Director Sean Pattwell. “These are truly remarkable and inspiring people who work tirelessly each day to provide our visitors with exceptional and memorable experiences. I send my sincere congratulations to all of this year’s award winners.”
Host Award winners were selected from more than 300 nominees by a selection committee consisting of educators and representatives from Stockton University, Atlantic Cape Community College, Local 54, Meet AC, Marriott’s Fairway Villas, Masterpiece Advertising, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Visit Atlantic City, and the Chicken Bone Beach Foundation.
As part of this year’s ceremony, the annual “Spirit of Hospitality” Award was given to Dr. Jane Bokunewicz, Faculty Director of the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming Hospitality and Tourism (LIGHT) and an Associate Professor of Hospitality Tourism and Event Management in the School of Business at Stockton University. The award honors an outstanding individual who has made a long-lasting contribution to the Atlantic City tourism and hospitality industry.
In 2022, in collaboration with the New Jersey Tourism Industry Association (NJTIA) and Stockton Continuing Studies, LIGHT developed and implemented a Certified Tourism Industry Professional certificate program where working professionals can earn an industry valued credential, fully online, asynchronously, at their own pace. LIGHT has earned a reputation as a credible source of gaming hospitality and tourism research and analysis and participates frequently in press, TV and radio interviews commenting on important industry events.
Bokunewicz has been a hospitality and casino management educator at the Bachelor’s and Master’s level since 2006, first at Drexel in Philadelphia and currently at Stockton University. She teaches Casino Management, Hotel Management, Human Resources, Business Policy and Strategy and Social Network Analysis. Educating the next generation of Hospitality leaders is her passion.
New this year, the committee also named two winners of the “Special Improvement” Award during the event, selecting Calvi Electric and SOSH Architects as the inaugural recipients. President of Calvi Electric, Michael Brestle, and principal of SOSH Architects, Tom Sykes, accepted the awards.
“CRDA is proud to honor Calvi Electric and SOSH Architects this year with the first Special Improvement Awards,” said CRDA Director of Special Improvement Division Rick Santoro. “Both companies have an extensive and important legacy in Atlantic City and have been integral in transforming our destination for visitors.”
Also at the event, the CRDA Foundation and Greater Atlantic City Concierge Association awarded four scholarships to students pursuing degrees in hospitality from Atlantic Cape Community College (Nousheen Ghazanfar) and Stockton University (Tanoya Blake, Tyler McDonnell, and Jacob Thompson). CRDA wants to encourage quality education for future employees in the hospitality industry.
2023 Scholarship Awards from the CRDA Foundation & Greater Atlantic City Concierge Association:
Nousheen Ghazanfar, Atlantic City, NJ – Atlantic Cape Community College – $1,000
Tanoya Blake, Atlantic City, NJ – Stockton University – $2000
Tyler McDonnell, Blackwood, NJ – Stockton University – $2500 ($2000 + $500 Howard Bacharach Award)
Jacob Thompson, Egg Harbor City, NJ – Stockton University – $2500
Photo Credit: AC Photo
About the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority
The only agency of its kind nationwide, the CRDA has used Atlantic City casino reinvestments as a catalyst for meaningful, positive improvement in the lives of New Jersey residents since 1984. Under the 2011 Tourism District Act, the Authority’s mission evolved from statewide projects to becoming the state’s key economic development agency for Atlantic City. CRDA’s expanded responsibilities now include land use regulation, tourism marketing and clean and safe initiatives. The CRDA also oversees Historic Boardwalk Hall (the leading entertainment venue of its size in the country) and the Atlantic City Convention Center. In total, CRDA has invested nearly $2 billion in more than 400 projects statewide, of which $1.8 billion has been invested in Atlantic City, spurring business investments and expansions, and creating permanent jobs in the process. For more information about CRDA and our projects, visit www.njcrda.com, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
