Elected Officials React with Pride to WHLA’s Key to Hospitality Awards

​The Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association (WHLA) honored outstanding contributions to the hotel and lodging hospitality industry at the annual WHLA Awards Lunch at American Family Field on September 30. The inaugural Key to Hospitality Awards were presented to three elected officials in recognition of their significant contributions to the state's tourism economy. 

The winners took to social media to share their excitement about receiving these esteemed awards.

Governor Tony Evers

Governor Tony Evers shared on Facebook: 

​"A strong tourism industry = a strong statewide economy.

Thank you, Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association, for the honor of being recognized as a Key to Hospitality awardee, and I look forward to continuing our work together to ensure this vital, record-breaking industry in our state stays on top!”

Senator Joan Ballweg

​State Senator Joan Ballweg posted on Facebook:

“Thank you to the Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association for the Key to Hospitality Award. Tourism is the third largest industry in Wisconsin and it is also one of the most important to the local economies and livelihoods of families across the 14th Senate District. I am grateful for Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association's trust in me to serve as a partner and advocate for Wisconsin tourism.
Thank you to Krissy Sigmund, VP of Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells; Bill Elliott, President & CEO of Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association; and Jay Schumerth, Chairman of the Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association Board.”

Representative Joel Kitchens

​State Representative Joel Kitchens shared on Facebook:

“Due to a back injury, my constituent, Greg Stillman, owner of the Parkwood Lodge in Fish Creek, accepted the Key to Hospitality Award from the Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association on my behalf at American Family Field for my advocacy for tourism.  It is the first time the award has been given out and the other recipients were Governor Tony Evers and Senator Joan Ballweg.  I am deeply honored!”

Key to Hospitality Awards

​The Key to Hospitality Award, presented by the Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association (WHLA), recognizes officials who have made significant contributions to Wisconsin's tourism industry, which is the state's third largest. This inaugural award celebrates leaders who have supported the industry through challenges such as the pandemic, providing essential relief, and advocating for initiatives that enhance tourism and lodging facilities across Wisconsin.

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