STATE COLLEGE — The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau and members of the community came together on Tuesday, Nov. 12, to celebrate the region’s tourism and hospitality industries with the third annual Happy Valley Hospitality Awards.
“2024 was a banner year for tourism to Happy Valley, PA, both in terms of visitors and economic impact,” Fritz Smith, the CEO and president of HVAB, said. “The efforts of those on the front lines of the visitor experience make it possible for the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau to confidently market Centre County as a premier, four-season Mid-Atlantic destination. We thank each and everyone for choosing hospitality and tourism as a profession and caring about the work they do in support of tourism.”
Sponsored by Titan Park, the third annual award ceremony boasted a record of 64 nominations across the seven categories where an independent committee chose the finalists and the winners. The awards were presented in front of an audience of nearly 300 guests with an Academy Awards theme at Bellefonte’s Brass 16823.
“As we reflected on the highlights of the past year — and there were many — we realized that the local tourism and hospitality industry has amazing champions,” Jennifer Brooks-Stahl, chair of the HVAB Board of Directors and Wyndham Garden State College general manager said.
Here’s a closer look at the award winners from the night:
- Renea Nash Nichols was awarded Volunteer of the Year for her work to Eagle Ironworks, Curtin Village and Union cemetery
- The Centre Film Festival was recognized as Festival/Event of the year
- Nittany Meadow Farm was awarded the Tourist Attraction of the Year
- Erin Pugh, the general manager of Hublersburg Inn was presented with the rising Star Award
- Lucy Rogers, the Tasting Room manager at Big Spring Spirits won the Excellence in Tourism/Hospitality Leadership Award
- Mike Tedesco, the owner of Happy Valley Nomadic Spirits, was awarded the Excellence in Tourism/Hospitality Service Award
- Casie Garber and Asia Pilger, assistant innkeepers at The Queen Bed and Breakfast, were recognized for the Excellence in Tourism/Hospitality Teamwork Award
In addition to these seven categories, two community leaders were honored with the Peter J. Walker Spirit of Hospitality Award, which was developed to honor the beloved late manager of Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park.
“We were thrilled to recognize two individuals whose commitments and investments in Centre County are positively contributing to our vibrant tourism landscape and thriving communities. They are both demonstrated ambassadors for Happy Valley and equally deserving of the Peter J. Walker Spirit of Hospitality award,” Brooks-Stahl highlighted.
Liz Grove, the owner of Pine Grove Hall and the new Flour and Stone restaurant, and Gary Brandeis, the CEO and founder of the Scholar Hotel Group, were named the 2024 recipients of the award.
“It is an honor to receive the Peter J. Walker Spirit of Hospitality Award. Peter led by example and I try to do the same every day at Scholar,” Brandeis remarked. “There is no substitute for the hard work I put in every day on behalf of my colleagues and guests. I try to do that consistently with a sense of humility and goodwill towards everyone I get to Interact with. My hope is that others at Scholar and in the community will follow the same path.”
