CHICAGO – Following a record portfolio growth year of nearly 40%, First Hospitality, a national hotel operating and development company, kicks off 2024 by celebrating its 3,500 associates at the company’s annual First Honors Awards Gala that took place in February in Toledo, OH.

The First Honors Gala honored over 35 hotel properties across First Hospitality’s diverse portfolio of more than 70 independent and branded properties. There were 36 categories ranging from “Hotels Ranked #1 on STR” to “Top Guest Services Scores.” The Drake Oak Brook was named Hotel of the Year for being the highest performing hotel for 2023 with revenue exceeding budget by $2.4 million and an increased RevPAR index of 14%. The Drake Oak Brook’s director of sales, Jill Hare, was named “Director of Sales of the Year” achieving a booking goal performance of 153% and exceeding banquet and catering budget performance by 25%.

Honoring the talent of our people is the highlight of the year, said David Duncan, president and CEO of First Hospitality. The successes First Hospitality witnessed in 2023 is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of our associates across the country. The dynamic performance of our leaders in sales and revenue management last year was an indicator that additional awards in this category were warranted to applaud those achievements.

The new “Sales Excellence” Award recognized six out-performing sales leaders in group index growth, negotiated share growth, and exceeding the team booking goal for the year. The director of sales honorees included: Aaron Thomas, Hiltons of Toledo Downtown; Amber Alden, The Inn on Sheridan; Jill Hare, The Drake Oak Brook; Sheena Fox, Hampton Inn & Suites Bridgeview; Lori Vance, Hancock Hotel; and Kiyah Elmore, Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown.

Recognizing First Hospitality’s top commercial strategy leaders in sales and revenue management, the newly introduced “Pace Setters” Award was presented to AnnaLee Hulm, area revenue manager at First Hospitality; Jill Hare, director of sales at The Drake Oak Brook; Sheena Fox, director of sales at Hampton Inn & Suites Bridgeview; and Lori Vance, director of sales at Hancock Hotel.

During the celebration, more than 100 individual associates were awarded in a variety of categories including “Housekeeping Leader of the Year,” “Revenue Manager of the Year,” and the “People First” Award.

Two marquee awards to the First Honors Awards Gala is the “President’s Award” that honors individuals who have surpassed expectations and elevated First Hospitality performance in 2023. Four individuals received this marquee award including Tom Karnat, regional accounting manager; Chris Lorino, senior vice president of operations; Christina Andrews, vice president of people; and Christina Santarelli-Foster, vice president of marketing (all of First Hospitality).

The most honorable award of the evening is the Live Free Drive Free award that recognizes all hourly associates who achieved perfect attendance during the year prior. More than 300 associates were honored and entered to win a year of housing (Live Free) or car payments (Drive Free). The grand prize winner of this year’s award selected the “Live Free” prize.

The stories behind the associates recognized for our Live Free Drive Free award are truly inspirational, added Duncan. This year’s winner was also recognized as a Live Free Drive Free associate last year at our gala and is a remarkable associate within our company.

About First Hospitality

First Hospitality is a top-ranking development, investment, and third-party operating company with a portfolio of branded and independent properties throughout the United States. Founded nearly 40 years ago, the organization fosters opportunities for associates, investors, owners, and partners to prosper together. The foundation of First Hospitality’s success is built on an individualized approach that puts people first, encourages a strong ownership culture, and consistently demonstrates astute business acumen. The company and its hotels are frequently recognized by the industry and media for high guest service and associate satisfaction, including accolades from Forbes, Condé Nast, TripAdvisor, and AAA. For more information, visit www.firsthospitality.com.