State College, PA, Sept. 6, 2022 – The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB) is now accepting nominations for the first annual Happy Valley Hospitality Awards.

The awards will recognize excellence in the local food and beverage, and lodging industries, with a special award open to employees working in any hospitality-related establishment,
including performance venues, museums and other attractions. The awards are a component of the HVAB’s Happy Valley Hospitality campaign, launched earlier this summer to recognize and appreciate those working in the industry.

“After the challenges our hospitality businesses faced during the pandemic, and with continued labor and supply chain hurdles, we feel there is no better time than now to celebrate the dedicated, hard-working individuals driving Happy Valley hospitality,” said HVAB President and CEO Fritz Smith. “It is something we have wanted to do for quite some time, but reinforcing the value of our hospitality workers – true front-line tourism ambassadors – holds even greater meaning now.”

The Five Award Categories Are:

 Excellence in Service, Food & Beverage

 Excellence in Leadership, Food & Beverage

 Excellence in Service, Lodging

 Excellence in Leadership, Lodging

 Pete Walker Spirit of Hospitality

The Spirit of Hospitality Award is in memory of the late Pete Walker, who served for 50 years as manager of Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park, and who passed away unexpectedly earlier this year.

“Pete was a beloved member of the Penn’s Cave family,” Smith said. “The award honors the individual who exemplifies the traits that he brought to his role: leading by example with an incomparable work ethic; a commitment to serving others; and leaving a positive impact on those around him.”

Smith said all hospitality positions – from back-of-house support to customer facing and supervisory roles – are valuable to ensuring that visitors and residents have positive dining, entertainment and lodging experiences.

“We hope the current campaign and annual awards program will lead to greater appreciation of the importance of the local hospitality industry and the talented community of people who make it run,” he said.

An independent committee will select the award winners, who will be recognized at the HVAB’s Annual Event in early November. The nomination period runs through COB Friday, Oct. 7.

To submit a nomination, visit www.happyvalley.com/hospitality. For questions about the nomination process, email Lesley Kistner, HVAB Public Affairs Director, at LesleyK@happyvalley.com.