PWCVB honors members, service leaders, at annual meeting

By PBN Staff

CRANSTON – The Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau honored T.F. Green Airport as its member of the year Wednesday afternoon at the organization’s annual meeting, held at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet.

Citing its reputation as one of the nation’s most efficient airports, as well as the pending completion of the Interlink, the intermodal transportation hub that will connect Green with a train station, as well as bus and rental car service, PWCVB President and CEO Martha J. Sheridan praised the airport and its management team for being a “tremendous partner in our efforts to secure future business.”

In remarks summarizing the year’s highlights, Sheridan noted the success of the NCAA Men’s Basketball First and Second Round competition, held in March, as well as future athletic events that are coming to the state. In fact, the CVB has formed a new advisory panel, the Rhode Island Sports Commission, to help support efforts to attract more athletic events to the Ocean State.

Sheridan said that while the hospitality sector suffered through 2008 and 2009, 2010 showed improved occupancy in the region’s hotels. And she, added, the CVB’s sales staff had exceeded its 2010 sales goals for future events.

As in past annual meetings, the CVB honored behind-the-scenes personnel with eight Recognition of Service Excellence Awards. This year’s R.O.S.E. Award winners, with the organization they represent, were:

• Larry Andrade, Flickers: the Rhode Island International Film Festival.

• Angela Myatt, the Department of Tourism, Culture & Development for the city of Warwick.

• Karen Brol, the Rhode Island Spring Flower & Garden Show.

• Doreen Vitale, the Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium.

• Christine Silvia, the Crowne Plaza Hotel Providence Warwick.

• Amy Lynn Cordeiro, the Rhode Island Hospitality Association Education Foundation.

• Gracinda “Sheila” Fortes, Christopher Dodge House Inn.

• Ronald Barry, Parkside Rotisserie and Bar.