FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact
Emma Boone
Public Relations/Digital Content Manager
Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau
(318) 588-2248
eboone@visitshreveportbossier.org
May 9, 2025
Visit Shreveport-Bossier Celebrates Local Tourism Stars at the 2025 Excellence in Hospitality Awards
Shreveport-Bossier, LA – During National Travel and Tourism Week, Visit Shreveport-Bossier hosted the 2025 Excellence in Hospitality Awards on May 8, 2025, at the brand-new Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana. Held annually, the ceremony honors the individuals and organizations in our community who are the epitome of hospitality and help make Shreveport-Bossier an unforgettable destination.
“Our people are what make Shreveport-Bossier remarkable,” said Stacy Brown, President & CEO of Visit Shreveport-Bossier. “When visitors leave our community, they don't just carry souvenirs. They carry stories of the incredible hospitality they experienced here. The Excellence in Hospitality Awards celebrates the heart and soul behind every one of those stories.”
These figures also demonstrate that tourism is a key economic engine for communities. It supports jobs, strengthens businesses, and contributes to vital public services. A strong tourism industry means a stronger Shreveport-Bossier.
“I'm told all over the world, when people come to Louisiana, they meet a friend for life, and they leave with that warm and fuzzy feeling and it's you the people in this industry that make those visitors feel welcome that they keep coming time and time again,” said Nungesser. “Those record numbers in tourism, it's because of you. It's because of the way you treat people. So, congratulations to the winners, but thank all of you for always being so passionate about your job.”
This year introduced a festive new addition to the awards ceremony: the "Whatatable" competition, presented by Whataburger, awarding the table with the most creative decorations. Conterra Networks also joined as the official Video Sponsor for this year's event.
Winners across more than two dozen categories were recognized for their excellence. This year’s honorees included:
OUTSTANDING ATTRACTION
Sci Port Discovery Center
OUTSTANDING BANQUET PROFESSIONAL
Tommy Bailey – Louisiana Downs Racetrack & Casino
OUTSTANDING BARTENDER – HOTEL/CASINO
Regina Landry – Courtyard by Marriott Louisiana Boardwalk
OUTSTANDING BARTENDER – RESTAURANT
Lucas Lawrence – The Seventh Tap Brewing Project
OUTSTANDING CASINO FLOOR PROFESSIONAL
Lucy Marquez – Sam’s Town Casino Shreveport
OUTSTANDING CATERING PROFESSIONAL
Brittany Graham – Hilton Garden Inn & Homewood Suites – Bossier
OUTSTANDING CULINARY PROFESSIONAL/CHEF - CASINO
Eddie Jordan III – Louisiana Downs Casino & Racetrack
OUTSTANDING CULINARY PROFESSIONAL/CHEF – NON-CASINO
Niema DiGrazia – Abby Singer’s Bistro
OUTSTANDING EVENT
Shreveport Ski Lodge at Fatty Arbuckles Pub
OUTSTANDING EVENT VENUE
Brookshire Grocery Arena
OUTSTANDING EXECUTIVE - CASINO
John Chaszar – Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana
OUTSTANDING EXECUTIVE – NON-CASINO
Ray Ferland – Hilton Garden Inn & Homewood Suites Bossier City
OUTSTANDING FESTIVAL
Mudbug Madness
OUTSTANDING FOOD SERVER - CASINO
Ben Phillips – Bally’s Shreveport Casino & Hotel
OUTSTANDING FOOD SERVER – NON-CASINO
Rebecca May – The Noble Savage
OUTSTANDING FRONT DESK PROFESSIONAL - CASINO
Anjala Lane – Sam’s Town Casino Shreveport
OUTSTANDING FRONT DESK PROFESSIONAL – NON-CASINO
Christopher Reese – Hilton Shreveport
OUTSTANDING GUEST SERVICES PROFESSIONAL – CASINO
Russell Pope – Margaritaville Resort Casino
OUTSTANDING GUEST SERVICES PROFESSIONAL – NON-CASINO
Andrea Sawall – Shreveport Convention Center
OUTSTANDING HOTEL SALES PROFESSIONAL - CASINO
Evelyn Hanson – Horseshoe Bossier City Casino & Hotel
OUTSTANDING HOTEL SALES PROFESSIONAL – NON-CASINO
Kelly Darden – Lotus Hospitality Management, LLC
OUTSTANDING HOUSEKEEPING PROFESSIONAL - CASINO
Yesenia Billue – The Service Companies / Margaritaville Resort Casino
OUTSTANDING HOUSEKEEPING PROFESSIONAL - NON-CASINO
Diana Garita – Courtyard by Marriott Louisiana Boardwalk
OUTSTANDING TRANSPORTATION/VALET PROFESSIONAL
Phillip Williams – Shreveport Limousine
OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER
Ashley Henning-Clarke
DEPARTMENT AWARDS
·COMMUNICATIONS
oAmbassador of the Year – Hardette Harris
oPartner of the Year – Myriam Samake, KTAL
·CONVENTIONS
oConventions Partner of the Year – Ernest’s Orleans Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge
oTourism Partner of the Year – Laine Garner, Louisiana Travel Association
·SPORTS
oPartner of the Year – Ted LeMay
oPartner of the Year – Sandy Jackson
oSponsor of the Year – Whataburger
·DESTINATION DEVELOPMENT
oAviation Advancement Award - Shreveport Regional Airport
oDestination 318 Partner of the Year - Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program
·FILM & ENTERTAINMENT
oPartner of the Year – Wendell Riley, Robinson Film Center
GOLDEN PINEAPPLE AWARD
The Pineapple Awards is presented to individuals and organizations who have spent their careers promoting Shreveport-Bossier to visitors and locals alike.
ØCaddo Parish Parks and Recreation
TOURISM TRAILBLAZER AWARD
The Trailblazer of the Year Award celebrates pioneers in their field who lead with courage and innovation, setting new standards for excellence.
ØJoe E. “Butch” Ford, Jr.
For more information on Excellence in Hospitality Awards, visit here: https://www.visitshreveportbossier.org/awards/.
###
About Visit Shreveport-Bossier:
Visit Shreveport-Bossier is the official destination marketing organization for Shreveport-Bossier City, Louisiana. The organization promotes the area as a premier destination for leisure travel, meetings, and events—driving economic growth and supporting local businesses. For more information, visit www.VisitShreveportBossier.org.
