Heart of Hospitality in Cook County

We all know delivering extraordinary service creates loyal guests. Having a beautiful property or serving great food is important but not enough. Hospitality is what creates guest loyalty. In 2019, Visit Cook County launched a new award to highlight the good work of hospitality workers in our community. Nominations will be accepted from each tourism community: Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais, Grand Portage and Lutsen/Tofte/Schroeder. Anyone can nominate a Hospitality industry employee who stands out for excellent service and enhance the visitor’s experience. 

Who is eligible for the award? Anyone working in the hospitality service industry is eligible. This includes front-of-house staff like cashiers, servers, guest services, and guides as well as the cooks, housekeepers, maintenance workers, gas station attendants, and so much more. Business owners should be reserved for Chamber Business Award nominations. 

Who can submit a nomination? Owners, managers, coworkers and even community members. Anyone who has first-hand knowledge of an individual’s professionalism and leadership in the hospitality industry. 

How many awards will be announced? One individual from each tourism community: Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais, Grand Portage and Lutsen/Tofte/Schroeder.

Annual Fall Gala 

This special event brings together community leaders, entrepreneurs, and dedicated hospitality professionals for an evening of networking, recognition, and appreciation. The main event will feature the presentation of two distinguished award programs:

• Cook County Chamber Business Awards: Recognizing outstanding businesses and business leaders who have made a significant contribution to the local economy and community.

• Visit Cook County Heart of Hospitality Awards: Honoring the frontline hospitality workers who provide exceptional service and create memorable experiences for visitors.

Stay tuned for 2026 Fall Gala information!

Heart of Hospitality Award Winners

2025

• Lutsen Tofte Tourism Association: Audrey Trimble, Lutsen Mountains
• Grand Portage: Crystal Johnson, Grand Portage Lodge & Casino 
• Grand Marais Area Tourism: Marjorie Quello, Grand Marais Municipal Liquor Store 
• Gunflint Trail Association: Bonnie Schudy, Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center

2024

• Lutsen Tofte Tourism Association: Dakota Marshall, Moguls Grille & Taproom 
• Grand Portage: Jessica Smith, Grand Portage Marina
• Grand Marais Area Tourism: Darryl Bathke, Cook County Co-op, and Jerry Kohl, Holiday Station Store Grand Marais
• Gunflint Trail Association: Stacey Palmer, Poplar Haus

2023 

• Lutsen Tofte Tourism Association: Katie Claire Schuler, Caribou Highlands Lodge 
• Grand Portage: Jasmine Coatie & Brett Turner, Grand Portage Lodge & Casino
• Grand Marais Area Tourism: Amy Lehto, Gunflint Tavern & The Big Lake 
• Gunflint Trail Association: Christian Semon, Trail Center

2022  

• Lutsen Tofte Tourism Association: Katie Oakes, Cascade Lodge & Restaurant 
• Grand Portage: Nicki Spry, Grand Portage Lodge & Casino
• Grand Marais Area Tourism: Katie Clark + Team, Cook County Historical Society 
• Gunflint Trail Association: Rick Grabko, Gunflint Lodge

2021

• Gunflint Trail Association – Charlotte Smith, Bearskin Lodge
• Grand Marais Area Tourism Association – Sue St. John, Birch Terrace Supper Club
• Lutsen Tofte Tourism Association – Tami Engrenn, Cascade Vacation Rental

2020

• Grand Portage Lodge & Casino – Joyce Merillat
• Gunflint Trail Association – Chris Hartman, Hungry Jack Lodge
• Grand Marais Area Tourism Association – Samantha Wallner, GM Recreational Park
• Lutsen Tofte Tourism Association – Bernard Banks, Cascade Lodge and Pub

2019

• Grand Portage Lodge & Casino - Julisa Swader
• Gunflint Trail Association – Mandy Husky, Gunflint Lodge
• Grand Marais Area Tourism Association – Nichole Tate-Roberts, East Bay Suites
• Lutsen Tofte Tourism Association – Dan Hinton, Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts

Heart of Hospitality Coffee Break

In addition to the annual individual awards, a new campaign was launched in 2021, Heart of Hospitality Coffee Break. Visit Cook County wants to champion those who continue to be the "heart of hospitality" in the community by offering a free cup of coffee for Cook County hospitality industry workers.

Who is eligible?

Front and back of house staff that work in Cook County in hospitality-based industries like dining, retail, lodging, and activities. A short list includes servers, bartenders, housekeepers, receptionists, cooks, clerks, guides, and managers.

Where/When?

Stay tuned for 2026 Heart of Hospitality Coffee Break information!