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About
Each nominee for the Hospitality Service Award of Distinction is an individual front-line customer service staff member who consistently provides exceptional service to visitors to Dutchess County to help them have an outstanding experience. Join Dutchess Tourism in celebrating all the honorees at the 10th annual Dutchess Tourism Awards of Distinction on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at The Henry A. Wallace Center at the FDR Presidential Library and Home in Hyde Park. Read more about the event and purchase tickets here.
Read on to learn more about each Hospitality Service Award of Distinction finalist.
Valerie Barone, Joseph’s Italian Steakhouse: MY CUSTOMERS! I absolutely love everyone that I have met. I have come to love this industry more and more, year after year. Seeing family, friends, and customers that I consider family and guests on their first visit who take time out of their lives to come in makes me genuinely happy! What do they say? If you love your job, then you never work a day in your life! I love my job and the hospitality industry! To me, it’s not work, this job has brought out my true self!
Julio Rojas-Sacasa, Troutbeck: I’m inspired by the fact that I get to meet and talk to people from all over the world, all while working in a magnificent environment surrounded by nature. Every morning that I drive into Troutbeck, I'm struck with the beauty of the setting...it feels like I’m coming home. I'm also inspired by Troutbeck's history — this is a home that has hosted, and continues to host, literary minds, creative thinkers, activists and many within the local community. Our history includes two early meetings of the NAACP, as well as Martin Luther King Jr. This rich history really moves me, and I feel like I'm able to engage with a similar spirit today when greeting our guests...smiling and welcoming all who enter our doors, just like I would do in my own home.
Sandy Tompkins, Hampton Inn Fishkill: I enjoy meeting and talking with people from around the world. I love telling them about our beautiful area, the scenic beauty of the Hudson River and the surrounding mountains, the rich history and the many diverse culinary options. We also have many colleges in the area.
Valerie Barone, Joseph’s Italian Steakhouse: Dutchess County is such a hidden gem. With the change of the seasons, you can enjoy so much all year long. People need to continue to travel and make their way for a visit and, without a doubt, they will be coming back! We have so much to offer.
Julio Rojas-Sacasa, Troutbeck: I personally enjoy spending time in the many towns of Dutchess County, specifically in the eastern part of the county near Troutbeck. What I like the most about this area is the way in which nature is always present and is for everyone to enjoy. My hope is that our amazing forests, fields, wetlands, and streams are preserved so that those coming into the area in the future can always enjoy them. I also think it's exciting to see small businesses open up in our area. I love to support local businesses and shops and my hope for the future of tourism is that I can continue to share these places I love (built by people who are in my community) with visitors. One of the best parts of my job is recommending these local experiences that our guests can support and enjoy while staying at Troutbeck.
Sandy Tompkins, Hampton Inn Fishkill: I hope more people learn that New York State is more than New York City and Niagara Falls. There is so much more in New York State.
Valerie Barone, Joseph’s Italian Steakhouse: It’s not about the money; it’s about the experience. Sure, the tips are good, but it can’t be your focus. It’s not about me; it’s about them. You need to make sure you keep your customer happy, and it starts with a smile. Welcome them with open arms. Give them an experience that makes them want to come back!
Julio Rojas-Sacasa, Troutbeck: The most important thing that I have learned has been to be a good listener. Much of my job is creating a warm and welcoming environment for our guests. A lot of times, this includes being empathetic and truly present in order to improve a guest's experience. It's the little extra gestures that count and can make someone's day a better one.
Sandy Tompkins, Hampton Inn Fishkill: I have learned that most people want to feel special and welcomed. They want to hear us recommend things to do in the area that interest them.
Valerie Barone, Joseph’s Italian Steakhouse: Do it! This is real life. You meet so many people from all walks of life, and you can learn from them! Stay organized. Focus on your goal and make it great!
Julio Rojas-Sacasa, Troutbeck: I think an important aspect of hospitality is to be a generous guide. This could be simply greeting someone with a smile or assisting someone in need of some help, whether big or small. Going the extra mile always makes the experience that much better for our guests at Troutbeck. My efforts in guiding guests or visitors goes beyond what might be described in my “job.” I learn so much by speaking and sharing with our guests and really connecting with them on a deeper level. I've learned there will always be challenges within any business, but if you can connect with a person and listen with compassion, you can usually turn things around. And remember...the customer is always #1!
Sandy Tompkins, Hampton Inn Fishkill: I would advise them to go experience everything in our area so you can talk about it firsthand.
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