TOURISM BURLINGTON WINS PARTNERSHIP & COLLABORATION AWARD FOR MARKETING CAMPAIGN: WICKED AWESOME SERVER
Tourism Burlington is recognized for the Wicked Awesome Server Award Recognition Program at Regional Tourism Conference
Tourism Burlington launched the Wicked Awesome Server Award in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, as a way to recognize the hard-working front-line hospitality staff in a sector that was hit extremely hard by the pandemic.
Customer safety was and continues to be of top priority to our restaurant community and we initially wanted to recognize staff that made diners feel safe to return to dining-in at our restaurants. Once diners returned, customer service was also a big part of this award.
Nominations are open to anyone – management, other staff, and the general public and nominations have been received from all. On a weekly or biweekly basis, Tourism Burlington has reviewed the nominations and awarded a winner. The winner is posted on the Taste of Burlington website as well as on the Taste of Burlington social media channels.
This award was made possible because of important partnerships. First, Nickel Brook Brewing helped create the name of the award, after their Wicked Awesome IPA. They provide prize packs of the namesake beer, a Wicked Awesome shirt, and a glass for each winner. Second, PV&V Insurance, provided a financial donation so each winner could be given a gift card for Burlington Centre.
The award was presented at the Southwestern Ontario Tourism annual conference which was held March 8th and 9th in London, Ontario. Wicked Awesome Server was one of three finalists presented at the awards ceremony and was the grand prize winner in the Partnership & Collaboration category. “The initiative bloomed out of our staff’s deep appreciation for front line workers and their creative thinking. We serve the business community, and this was a collaborative way to highlight the dedication of our servers in the face of difficult times for our hospitality sector.” says Kristene Smith, Executive Director. Kelly Harris, Manager of Marketing & Special Projects at Tourism Burlington graciously accepted the award on behalf of Burlington businesses at the conference.
Tourism Burlington was proud to say that this campaign will continue, as they have seen firsthand how much it means to the very deserving winners. Nominations are still encouraged by emailing info@tourismburlington.com with the server name, restaurant, and a few lines letting us know why you are nominating the individual.
Information and a list of servers who have been awarded is posted at https://tasteofburlington.ca/wicked-awesome-server-winners/
