HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY AWARDS

Recognizing Oregon's Outstanding Hospitality Industry Professionals

Oregon’s hospitality industry is brimming with outstanding individuals who go above and beyond, raising the bar for excellence in performance, service and commitment to the industry. As a highlight of the annual ORLA Hospitality Conference, the Hospitality Industry Awards recognize the exemplary performance and qualities that set the high standards for the entire industry to achieve.

Have a star employee you'd like to recognize? Nominate them for one of ORLA’s statewide Hospitality Industry Awards that are presented during the annual Conference. Nominations are open for the Employee of the Year, Restaurateur of the Year, Lodging Operator of the Year, and Allied Partner of the Year. Nominations are due by noon on July 1, 2019. 
Congratulations to our 2018 Hospitality Industry Award recipients:
Dave Thomason
RESTAURATEUR OF THE YEAR
Dave Thomason, Thomason Hospitality Group LLC
Sponsored by McDonald Wholesale Company ​
At 16, Dave Thomason got a taste for the restaurant industry working as a busboy for the Carl’s Jr. chain in Anaheim, CA, and has never looked back. Fast forward a few years and the busboy-turned-restaurateur has his own company overseeing 44 operations with a total workforce of over 600 employees. He has been a very strong advocate of the industry having served 18 years as an ORLA Board Member and is a Past President of the Association. Through Dave’s leadership, experience and passion for hospitality, Thomason Hospitality Group has realized tremendous growth in recent years with no signs of slowing down. Taprock Northwest Grill opened for business in May 2009 and has been the centerpiece of Thomason Hospitality Group’s portfolio which also includes holdings throughout Oregon for Elmer’s, Pita Pits, Human Beans, and Purple Parrots. Success isn’t all about growth and profits however. Dave believes their employees are their best asset and the greatest advantage over their competitors. He maintains that treating employees with respect values their individuality and empowers them to provide great service.
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EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
Kaarina Vera, Seaside Lodging LLC
Sponsored by Jordan Ramis PC ​
From front desk agent to manager, Kaarina Vera has proven that hard work, along with insight and being a quick learner can reward you with greater opportunities. When Seaside Lodging acquired ownership of the property where Kaarina was working the front desk less than a decade ago, they quickly saw her potential and transferred her to sales. Shortly after, she was promoted to Sales Manager for the Inn at Seaside – a strategic move for the Inn, as she helped double the sales. Kaarina’s exceptional performance directly contributed to the growth of the company which now includes four hotels. In her current position of Sales, Marketing and Revenue Manager for Seaside Lodging LLC, Kaarina continues to shine as one of the most “honest, ethical, sincere and efficient” staff members the company is proud to employ.​

 Doug and Becky Neuman
​LODGING OPERATORS OF THE YEAR
Doug and Becky Neuman, Neuman Hotel Group
Sponsored by Ecolab ​
In less than two decades Doug and Becky Neuman have transformed Southern Oregon’s hospitality scene. It all started as a real estate investment when they purchased the dilapidated Mark Antony hotel (later named: Ashland Springs Hotel) in late 1998 and “brought it back to its glory.” Their passion for Oregon led them to expand investments that would provide more opportunities in creating exceptional guest experiences. Neuman Hotel Group’s portfolio now includes four hotels, three restaurants, two spas and soon resort in Jacksonville featuring a Victorian home. The Neuman’s impact on Southern Oregon goes beyond economic development and job creation, they filled a need in the community by revitalizing properties that celebrate what Oregon has to offer. More importantly, they have created an incredibly supportive work environment for close to 350 employees, investing in training and benefits that attract and retain a staff that love what they do.​
Karnopp Petersen LLP
ALLIED PARTNER OF THE YEAR
Karnopp Petersen LLP
Sponsored by UnitedHealthcare
​Karnopp’s philosophy is simple, “do your best work and give back.” Attorneys at the Bend law firm demonstrate that tenet on a daily basis. For Karnopp Petersen, it’s not just about resolving disputes or winning litigation; they want to be a “value creator” for their clients by designing legal strategies that truly fit their clients’ needs, thereby giving them the best chance at achieving their goals. ORLA saw the value to this approach firsthand with a recent lawsuit regarding local lodging taxes. “The lodging industry in Oregon was in need of a law firm that could prevail in our pursuit of lodging tax protections. Karnopp Petersen has and continues to be one of ORLA’s most crucial partners in establishing the appropriate ways lodging taxes should be spent in Oregon,” said Jason Brandt, President & CEO, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association. “We’re more than pleased with the service they’re able to provide.”
QUICK LINKS

- Awards & Recognition
- 2019 ORLA Hospitality Conference
​- Restaurant Neighbor Awards
​- Hospitality Industry Awards Archive
Submit a nomination for the 
Oregon Hospitality Industry Awards
​[2020 Nomination Form Available Soon]