Introducing the 2009 HAC Hall of Fame award winners

TORONTO—Humanitarians, energy savers, environmentalists, a promising student and a supplier of the year were all honoured at this year’s Hall of Fame Awards ceremony.  This year the awards were presented at a Gala Luncheon on Feb. 4 at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel.

The Delta Brunswick, St. John, NB, received this year’s Humanitarian Award for its ongoing support of the Business Community Anti-Poverty Initiative, giving complimentary accommodation to out-of-town breast cancer surgery patients, and donations to numerous fundraisers for schools, the hospital, and other community groups.

The Fantasyland Hotel, Edmonton, AB, was honoured in the category of Human Resources. The hotel has implemented numerous career development options, benefits and incentive programs, RRSP matching and in-depth job-specific orientation and training, all of which have contributed to loyal staff and high guest-satisfaction rates.

There was a tie this year for the Energy and Environment Award. The first recipient was the Hôtel du Vieux Québec, Québec City, QC. This property has undertaken a number of initiatives in the areas of carbon neutrality, installation of a green roof, property-wide conversion to energy-efficient lighting, and water-saving measures to name just a few.

The Westin Ottawa also received the Energy & Environment Award for its programs including the introduction of a Green Meeting Plan, responsible food planning and purchasing practices, and a building automation system to control HVAC.

New to the Awards slate this year was the Outstanding Supplier of the Year Award. Ecolab was the inaugural winner of this award, having been selected for its high standard of customer service and support.

This year’s winner of the Stephen Phillips Passion for Hospitality Bursary was Kathlene Depooter, a Hotel & Food Administration student at University of Guelph. Kathlene has demonstrated a dedication to the industry that is a fitting reflection of the bursary’s namesake.