Rob Howell, General Manager of The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, as a Finalist of the Spirit of Hospitality Awards

The PA Tourism & Lodging Association held its Annual Spirit of Hospitality Awards Reception on April 28, 2008, at the Holiday Inn Harrisburg East. These prestigious awards recognize outstanding performance, commitment, and achievements in the hospitality and tourism industry throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The event featured the Vivace String Quartet and an outstanding selection of fine Hors D'Oeuvres prepared by the extraordinary culinary staff of the Holiday Inn. The presentations were made by; J. Mickey Rowley, Deputy Secretary, Pennsylvania Tourism Office and James Purdum, CHA, General Manager, Hospitality Services, The Pennsylvania State University and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors, PA Tourism & Lodging Association.

The Association is pleased to announce Rob Howell, General Manager of The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, as a finalist of the Spirit of Hospitality Award in the 2008 General Manager of the Year Category. This award honors a general manager who has demonstrated professionalism in operating a property and taken a leadership role in the industry by actively participating in association, community, or industry programs.

Rob Howell is the General Manager of the Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, Shawnee on Delaware. Rob treats every employee and guest as a member of his family, working tirelessly to provide excellent customer service and exemplary working conditions. To help keep staff members motivated, he created an employee incentive program, while at the same he focused on improving the financial returns of the business. Last year, under Rob's direction, the Resort had a record-breaking year with higher revenues than any other year in its history.

Rob is as dedicated to his community as he is to the Resort, and he has supervised the Inn's participation in numerous charity events, including Toys for Tots and The United Way. Creativity also plays a part in Rob's management of the hotel; he has had a direct hand in adding unique guest touches like blankets on the veranda and s'mores cookies instead of mints on guest pillows at night. His leadership skills and creativity combine on a daily basis to make the resort a top-notch location for visitors.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Shawnee's management; please contact Jeromy Wo, Public Relations Coordinator at: (570) 424-4050 ext. 1409 or visit ShawneeInn.com.