Jon Henderson’s Hospitality Spirit Shines
By Joe Molineaux
The Adrian Phillips Theater at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall was buzzing with excitement and anticipation. As the 21st annual Atlantic City Host Awards were about to begin, hundreds of nominees, family, friends and industry people were waiting for the winners to be announced. While the award show vibe accounted for much of the anticipation and excitement, a portion of the anticipation centered, for many of us, around the recipient of the Spirit of Hospitality Award for 2018, Jon Henderson.
If you know Jon Henderson and are familiar with his Good Time Tricycle team and have watched in amazement his ability to design, develop and create events that have drawn over 125,000 visitors to our region accounting for over 18 million dollars in economic impact, then you know Jon’s work.
However, if you know Jon’s style and his perfectly matched personality then the anticipation of “What will Jon say when he accepts the award?” was exactly what the people that know and have had the opportunity to listen and learn from Jon Henderson were thinking. Many in the crowd wondered “Would Jon Henderson’s acceptance speech be as colorful as his highly viewed videos and social media posts?” Now that is excitement and anticipation!
The Kenny I Orchestra once again did an excellent job pairing appropriate songs as the award and scholarship winners were announced. The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority once again created a wonderful event along with the selection committee members from Stockton University, Atlantic Cape Community College, Fairleigh Dickinson, the Greater Atlantic City Chamber, Local 54, Meet AC and the Bacharach Scholarship Committee. The award winners received well deserved applause and appreciation when the top vote getters were announced throughout the night.
As Jon Henderson was introduced, it was clear the depth and value of his contribution to the Atlantic City region resonated with those that serve our visitors every day. As the anticipation continued to build, Jon did something that he has done since putting on his very first event in Atlantic City. Jon Henderson surprised us all. Jon was brief and on target in humbly accepting the 2018 Spirit of Hospitality Award. He reminded the crowd of hardworking dedicated industry workers that while Good Time Tricycle may bring the visitors here, it is their quality customer service that keeps those visitors coming back. He also did something that he said up to this point he has never had the opportunity to do. He then thanked those in attendance and those in the industry for everything they do and have done that has helped contribute to the success that Jon and his team at Good Time Tricycle has achieved. Shine on Jon Henderson, and please continue to show your spirit of hospitality to surprise us all.
