Feb 13, 2025
Every year, The American Hospitality Lodging Association gives out multiple awards to recognize various “Stars of the Industry” who go above and beyond to serve and those that are driving positive changes and inspiring us all with their passion and commitment to hospitality. On January 27, 2025, The American Hospitality Lodging Association announced their 2025 Annual Stars of the Industry Award Winners at the Beverley Hilton in Los Angeles, California.
One of those winners is a local hospitality employee who demonstrates a heart for hospitality every day and works in the industry at The Park Vista a Doubletree by Hilton in Gatlinburg.
Melvin De La Cruz began his hospitality career as a J-1 student and then began working at The Park Vista in the laundry department on April 1, 2009. It did not take long to see he was a leader with heart. His self-taught bilingual skills were immediately put to use as the spokesperson for our non-English speaking team members. He was fair and honest and communicated the concerns and needs of the team with extreme professionalism. In May of 2015, Melvin was promoted to Human Resources Assistant, a position wherein he was soon to excel with even more success. Melvin was a major contributor in caring for our team members during the 2016 Wildfires where many of our families lost their homes and entire belongings. His true concern for our team members was once again put into high gear in 2020 with the Covid crisis. Many of the team members were extremely concerned and uncertain as to how to reach out for assistance. Melvin was there night and day assuring them and assisting them with navigating the unemployment process and government programs available during this difficult time.
Below is one of the many nominations and words from our nominating team members to describe Melvin:
Melvin is such a great example of being a true team player and will assist anywhere he is needed without hesitation or complaint. He always has a positive attitude and helps not only with internal customers but external customers as well. Melvin is always here, and answers calls for team members even when not at work. Melvin can be seen assisting in many areas of the hotel including Banquets, Housekeeping, Laundry, Kitchen and the Restaurant on a daily\weekly basis and has regularly worked outside of HR due to staffing shortages for the past 4 years while still maintaining his regular HR job duties. Not only does Melvin do all of this for all of us, but he does it with a positive attitude and a genuine heart.
When asked, Melvin considers one of his greatest life accomplishments to be achieving his United States Citizenship and encouraging and assisting others with achieving this wonderful opportunity as well.
When asked to describe Melvin, below are the words that were used:
Dedication – Passion – Positive Attitude – Flexibility – Adaptability – Reliability – Consistency – Teamwork – Supportive – Respectful – Professionalism – Understanding – INTEGRITY!
Melvin has been honored on site at the Park Vista with the Star of the Month and Star of the Year Awards and continues to receive nominations from his peers for his many contributions to the team.
Melvin continues to work tirelessly in the hotel taking care of our team members as well as our community and we expect this to continue well into the future!
The Park Vista could not be prouder to honor our AHLA North Star Award Winner: Melvin De La Cruz – The Park Vista a DoubleTree by Hilton Gatlinburg, TN
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