News

2018 Tourism Professional of the Year Finalist John Feins Meow Wolf What was your first job in the hospitality/tourism industry? Public Relations Manager — Tourism Santa Fe / City Of Santa Fe Who has helped/mentored you throughout your career? The New England Patriots What has been the highlight of your career? Being a torchbearer at The Burning Of Zozobra. Red … Read More

2018 Front of House – Food and Beverage Finalist RJ Romero Indian Pueblo Cultural Center What was your first job in the hospitality/tourism industry? I started out as a busser at TGI Fridays Winrock when they opened that location in 1993. Who has helped/mentored you throughout your career? My mother and wife have always been a support system for me … Read More

2018 Back of House – Food and Beverage Finalist Osbaldo Sanchez Hyatt Regency What was your first job in the hospitality/tourism industry? Radisson Hotel, now is Cascada water park Who has helped/mentored you throughout your career? Leticia Dominguez , Chef Phil’s Beltran , Chef Patrick Mohn What has been the highlight of your career? Stewarding Supervisor Red or Green? Red … Read More

2018 Front of House – Hospitality Finalist Diana Roman Home2 Suites by Hilton What was your first job in the hospitality/tourism industry? Home2 suites by Hilton is my first and only hotel job. Who has helped/mentored you throughout your career? Yahima Hernandez, my boss and mentor at the Home2 Suites, has helped me be more confident and encouraging throughout her … Read More

2018 Back of House – Food and Beverage Finalist Peter Vigil La Fonda on the Plaza What was your first job in the hospitality/tourism industry? Washing Dishes in Las Cruces at Tagmeyers Steak House Who has helped/mentored you throughout your career? My cousin Lela Cross What has been the highlight of your career? The highlight of my career has been … Read More

2018 Back of House – Food and Beverage Finalist Charles Guiswite Isleta Resort & Casino What was your first job in the hospitality/tourism industry? Dons Quality Bakery, VA OJT program 1975; cleaning and greasing bread pans, and all tasks no one else wanted. Who has helped/mentored you throughout your career? Alfred Hiltbunner, Pastry Chef, Rolf Hueglin, Konditormiester What has been … Read More

2018 Tourism Professional of the Year Finalist Bill Lee Gallup McKinley County Chamber of Commerce What was your first job in the hospitality/tourism industry? I was named CEO for Adventure Gallup & Beyond… an organization that promoted outdoor tourism in McKinley County. Then I became the CEO of the Gallup/McKinley County Chamber of Commerce, who is tasked with helping to … Read More

Supplier-Vendor of the Year Joe’s Pasta House Rio Rancho Joe and KC Guzzardi , the owners of Joe’s Pasta House, and their entire staff are charming and welcoming host to visitors and local community members alike. They market their state, community, and product genuinely. Serving the Rio Rancho & Albuquerque area for over 12 years; Joe’s Pasta House proudly shares … Read More

Did you know that September is National Service Dog Month? In honor of National Service Dog Month, we have put together some information about service dogs and service animals, and how venues, hotels, and other businesses can accommodate someone with a service animal. What are service animals? According to the Americans with Disabilities Act a service animal means any dog … Read More

Back-of-House Food & Beverage Employee of the Year Charles Guiswite Executive Pastry Chef Isleta Resort & Casino Overview: Charles has been with Isleta Resort and Casino for eight years and as the Executive Pastry Chef for a full service resort and casino, he is responsible to provide everything related to pastry, desserts and bread for this entire operation. He does … Read More