On April 29, Visit Boise hosted its annual Recognition of Service Excellence (ROSE) Awards ceremony at the Treefort Music Hall in downtown Boise, Idaho. The event honors leaders and notable industry professionals in the hospitality industry, with awards given to individuals in nine different categories, which include accommodations/lodging, attractions, bar/tasting room, behind the scenes, dining/caterers, manager of the year, retail, transportation, and volunteer.
There is also an additional Spirit of Hospitality award recipient, which was given this year to Sean Earley of Bardenay Restaurant & Distillery. This award is meant to showcase a manager or business owner who consistently makes positive contributions to the betterment of their community, organization, and industry as a whole.
The winners of the other categories were:
- Accommodations/lodging: Farid Bahaduri, housekeeping inspector at Hotel 43
- Attractions: Robert “Bob” Park, tour leader at Indulge Boise Food Tours
- Bar/tasting room: Austen Marten, wine ambassador at Telaya Wine Co.
- Behind the scenes: Brady Miran, housekeeping associate at Treasure Valley Family YMCA
- Dining/caterers: Sam Trulock, server and administrator at KIN restaurant
- Manager of the Year: Maggie Van Weele, tasting room manager at Telaya Wine Co.
- Retail: Darlene Sanders, assistant manager at Stinker Stores
- Transportation: Beau Avery, lead driver and operator trainer at Boise State University
- Volunteer: Jannie Thompson, tour guide and site host at Old Idaho Penitentiary
“I am always impressed and inspired by the impact these ROSE Awards finalists and winners have on our hospitality industry,” says Carrie Westergard, executive director at Visit Boise, in a prepared statement. “I love hearing the stories of dedication and passion from these hospitality heroes who go about their work day with such passion, kindness, and commitment. They are truly the stars making visiting Boise such a delight,” she continues. “Winners were honored across the spectrum of hospitality, including hotels, restaurants, convenience stores, transportation, wineries, and attractions. Tourism is a driving force in our economy, and these workers and volunteers are on the front lines providing important, selfless service that creates positive visitor experiences and connections.”
Two other awards were shared this year as well—these include the 2024 Community Impact Award, which was given to Tara and Tony Eiguren, owners of The Basque Market. The Eigurens have been operating their business since 2006 and are known best for their weekly giant paellas and cooking classes. The second was the 2024 Leadership and Learning Excellence Award, given to David Rose, assistant general manager at Hyatt Place Boise/Downtown. This accolade is new to the ROSE Awards and was created in partnership with Boise State University’s hospitality program to recognize an industry professional or business that demonstrates a commitment to learning.