2026 ROSE Awards Voting Survey

1.ACCOMMODATIONS NOMINEES

Ben Gordon, Valet/Front Desk, Hotel 43

Ben consistently demonstrates a positive, proactive, and service-oriented attitude. He brings genuine warmth and professionalism to every interaction, putting guests at ease and setting a high standard for his teammates. He communicates with clarity, confidence, and composure—qualities that enable him to navigate challenges effectively. This was evident during a high-occupancy day when a guest arrived well before check-in time, tired and frustrated after a long day of travel. Ben turned the guest’s experience into a positive one through empathy, clear communication, and proactivity. He offered a comfortable place to relax in the lobby, securely stored their luggage, and coordinated with housekeeping to expedite the cleaning process. Throughout the wait, he continued to check in with the guest and provided regular updates on the room status. By the time the room was ready, the guest went from irritated to appreciated.

Bill Ottinger, Front Desk Agent, Hampton Inn & Suites Boise Spectrum

In his 20 years of service, Bill's positive and helpful attitude have remained steadfast. Both guests and clients feel his genuine care and empathy through his smile, friendly tone, and attention to detail. He receives guest shout-outs on a regular basis and has great follow-through. If he can’t resolve an issue immediately, he makes sure to communicate to management and/or the next shift to ensure the guest is taken care of properly. His 'I've seen it all' demeanor and wealth of experience makes him an unflappable anchor, remaining calm, cool and collected. Once when Bill was working an evening shift in the middle of winter, the fire alarm went off late at night and the building had to be evacuated. He and the guests were waiting outside and one guest was eight months pregnant. Bill grabbed the shuttle van, cranked up the heat, loaded her in with some other elderly guests, and parked the van in the adjacent parking lot to wait for the fire department out of the cold.

Ronald Savany, Guest Service Agent, Springhill Suites West Boise/Eagle

Ronald consistently goes above and beyond to offer personalized assistance and ensure visitors feel welcomed, valued, and excited about their experience. He takes pride in promoting all Boise has to offer, and listens attentively to guests’ interests to tailor his recommendations to help them discover hidden gems and well-known favorites. When assisting a guest visiting the Boise area for the first time, Ronald learned they wanted to experience the local culture. He took the time to suggest several local restaurants, explaining the different dining options and highlighting those that showcased Boise’s unique food scene. Ronald also recommended nearby parks and scenic walking paths along the river, taking care to describe how easily accessible they were and what the guest could expect to see and enjoy during their visit. His knowledge of the community and willingness to engage with guests creates meaningful connections that leave a lasting impression.

2.ATTRACTION NOMINEES

Don Carmichael, Tour Guide/Owner, Boise Bicycle Tours

Don approaches his job with genuine enthusiasm, warmth, and pride in the city. His attitude is consistently described by customers as thoughtful, patient, accommodating, and personable. He doesn’t simply lead bike tours, he crafts immersive experiences and serves as a passionate ambassador for Boise. During tours, he enhances storytelling by showing historical images on his tablet to bring Boise’s past to life, making information accessible and engaging for all learning styles. Don goes beyond the basics, tailoring tours to guests’ interests, making sure bikes are a good fit, and thinking ahead about details that make the day seamless. One example is when a group with only one day in Boise, reached out last minute to see more of the city. Don found out they were here to watch a BSU football game, and customized the tour, including taking them to see the blue turf at BSU. By the end, the group was wowed, saying the tour far exceeded their expectations.

Mariah Cornelius, Food & Beverage Frontline Supervisor, Bogus Basin

Over the past four years, Mariah has risen from cashier to supervisor. Her reliability, punctuality, and strong work ethic have made her someone both guests and staff can depend on. She is also a strong communicator and an excellent listener. Mariah takes the time to understand guest concerns and respond in a respectful and solution-oriented way. She brings an infectious enthusiasm and positivity to every shift, and that energy has a direct impact on both our guests and her fellow staff members. Even on our busiest Saturdays—when thousands of guests move through Simplot Lodge—Mariah remains upbeat and welcoming, ensuring service remains friendly, efficient, and attentive. Once while managing her responsibilities stocking and maintaining the food line, Mariah noticed a guest with disabilities affiliated with our Boise Adaptive Snowports Education program struggling to carry their tray. Without hesitation, she stepped in to help and kindly carried the guest’s tray all the way outside so they could comfortably join their group.

Paige Thomas, Box Office Manager, Morrison Center

Paige possesses a "patron-first" attitude and approaches every interaction with a blend of relentless work ethic, genuine empathy, and personal mission. She handles 90% of in-person box office operations, meaning her positive energy and high standards serve as the primary face of the organization. Paige’s commitment is most evident when supporting patrons facing personal hardships or logistical frustrations. Whether navigating the complexities of Ticketmaster’s corporate support on behalf of a guest or taking the hands-on approach of logging into a patron’s account (with permission), she leaves the patron feeling heard and supported rather than frustrated. During a recent concert that coincided with a high-traffic BSU football game, a patron’s daughter became overwhelmed by the gridlock and parking scarcity. Her father called the box office in a last-minute effort to help her. After hearing his voicemail, Paige took immediate action. She arranged VIP parking and provided a complimentary ticket so the father could join his daughter. This transformed a stressful family evening into a seamless, memorable experience.

3.BAR/TASTING ROOM NOMINEES

Debbie Anderson, Tasting Room & Wine Education Associate, Proletariat Wine Company

Debbie’s attitude is the foundation of her customer service. She approaches every shift with steady optimism, patience, and curiosity about people. Guests don’t feel like they’re being “served”, they feel like they’re being welcomed by someone who is genuinely happy they came in. She listens first, asks thoughtful questions, and meets people exactly where they are in their wine knowledge. Whether a guest knows nothing about wine or collects it seriously, Debbie never talks above or below them. She removes intimidation and replaces it with comfort. Because of this, guests open up to her. People who normally say “I don’t like wine” end up discovering something they enjoy. Visitors who planned for one quick glass stay for an experience. Her calm confidence gives guests permission to ask questions they might feel embarrassed to ask elsewhere. If a guest dislikes a wine, she doesn’t just replace it, she asks the right questions to discover why. Many of those guests become repeat visitors because they feel someone finally “got it right” for them.

Cece Andrade, Wine Ambassador & Community Outreach Coordinator, Telaya Wine Co.

CeCe’s infectious smile and personality light up the room every time she walks in. A transplant to Idaho, she has taken the vibe of the state and incorporated it into her everyday life. As our Community Engagement Leader, she has devoted herself to finding many events in the Valley to raise awareness of Telaya and get engaged in the community. Through active listening, she finds out about birthdays, anniversaries, and work related events and delivers special wines and experiences to make people’s day. CeCe also has a calming nature, extraordinary communication skills, and strong problem-solving abilities that allow her to handle difficult situations with grace. During a Saturday rush with a broken sales terminal, she instantly created a paper-ticket system, relayed orders to the pour station via walkie talkie, and updated wait times aloud every five minutes. The line moved 30% faster than the previous record and all guests left satisfied. CeCe transforms every hiccup into hospitality gold through crystal-clear dialogue, lightning-fast solutions, and authentic Idaho warmth.

Derek Lomen, Lead Bartender, Hotel Renegade

Derek brings an upbeat, professional energy that immediately puts guests at ease. His natural ability to engage in conversation creates lifelong relationships and turns repeat guests into familiar friends. He leaves guests with a lasting sense of warmth, acceptance, and genuine connection. Derek’s positivity and friendly demeanor also inspire the rest of the bar team, encouraging them to rise to the high level of hospitality he delivers every shift. He also serves as a reliable sounding board for other staff, who frequently turn to him with questions or concerns. In one instance, a bartender felt uncomfortable cutting off an overly intoxicated guest. Derek stepped in to assist and calmly explained why he could not continue serving them, successfully de-escalating the situation. He diffused the tension by reassuring the guest and inviting them to return the next day, offering to take care of a drink and an appetizer. The guest returned, apologized for their behavior, and shared they had been going through some personal struggles. This individual has since continued to visit the hotel regularly.

4.BEHIND THE SCENES NOMINEES

Brandon Locati, Operations Supervisor, Boise Centre

Brandon is the hug you didn’t know you needed. His warmth and compassion immediately put people at ease, and create a sense of trust and comfort for clients. Brandon doesn’t see events as transactions. He sees them as meaningful moments in people’s lives. He understands that many clients spend a year or more planning every detail for a single evening, whether it’s a meeting, celebration, or million-dollar fundraiser. Because of this, he approaches every event with the mindset that it isn’t just another event, but the event. His positive attitude, attention to detail, and sincere investment in each client’s success elevate the entire customer experience. He seamlessly orchestrates the many moving parts of an event while maintaining clear, thoughtful communication with clients and colleagues. Brandon excels at coordinating across the many departments at Boise Centre, ensuring that every team is aligned in bringing a client’s vision to life. Brandon makes people feel valued, supported, and confident that their event truly matters.

Glenn McBurney, Maintenance Technician, ParkBOI

Glenn’s dedication is evident in the pride he takes in even the most behind-the-scenes aspects of his role. By maintaining clean, safe, and well-functioning facilities, Glenn directly contributes to the overall impression guests have of our community. Glenn is proactive and attentive when it comes to addressing challenges. He combines action with a calm, solution-oriented presence. He doesn’t wait to be asked to resolve an issue; instead, he notices what needs attention and takes initiative. Whether clearing clogged water grates, shoveling snow to ensure safe walkways, or cleaning up refuse in the garage, he steps in quickly and efficiently. A few years ago, on a particularly rainy fall day, Glenn addressed a clogged storm drain located well beyond the typical boundaries of his assigned parking garage responsibilities. He said he was happy to take care of it since he was already on-site, preventing what could have become a larger safety concern. He didn’t view the issue as “someone else’s job,” rather as an opportunity to serve.

Brittany Reynolds, Senior Sales Event Professional, Galaxy Event Center, Wahooz and Roaring Springs

What stands out about Brittany is her balance of natural leadership and a true desire to help. She sees clients as partners and is personally invested in making every event a win. Brittany’s greatest strength is how she handles problems. Her consistent can-do attitude shapes a client's whole experience. She pivots instantly to solutions, laying out options with clarity and confidence. Last summer during a huge company picnic at Roaring Springs, a sudden downpour sent the entire group scrambling for cover and threatened to cancel the scheduled awards ceremony. Brittany quickly ran over to The Galaxy and found available event space that wasn't booked for the day. Within 10 minutes, she had secured the space, arranged AV with the IT department, and guided the entire group to the new, dry location. She helped the client quickly reorganize their program and the ceremony went off without a hitch. The client and their guests were thrilled with the outcome and how efficiently Brittany shifted things to accommodate them.

5.DINING/CATERER NOMINEES

Tyler Cook, Director of Revelry and Mâitre D, KIN / Ampersand / Art Haus Bar

KIN’s format — an intentional multi-course dinner — requires clear communication, quick adaptability, and calm under pressure. Tyler excels in all of these areas. He is the first smile many guests see when they walk through the door. Whether behind the bar or guiding the room through course pairings, he brings a sense of welcome that immediately puts people at ease. He remembers faces. He remembers names. He memorizes the stories behind each course and delivers them confidently to an entire dining room. He listens to guest needs — from dietary restrictions to preferences — and responds with care and clarity. Even in busy, full-capacity service or during special events, Tyler remains composed and intentional. At a recent fundraising dinner hosted at KIN, a guest attended alone because she was new to Boise and looking to build connections. Even amid a bustling event, Tyler noticed she seemed unsure and made a point to introduce her to regulars. By the end of the night, she was engaged, smiling, and connected.

Walker Ward, Bartender, Hemlock

Walker’s attitude is consistently warm, attentive, and guest-first. He is personable, calm under pressure, and genuinely invested in making every table feel taken care of. Guests repeatedly describe him as “amazing,” “so sweet,” and “a delight,” and many say they plan to return specifically to request him. He takes pride in details and consistently goes above expectations, which is why guests frequently call him out by name in reviews. Instead of a transactional experience, Walker creates a personal one—resulting in memorable nights, repeat visits, and enthusiastic recommendations. He listens carefully, reads the table well, and adapts his approach to each guest’s needs. Guests consistently mention how knowledgeable he is about every menu item and how confidently he guides them toward great choices. One guest shared that Walker was “attentive, personable, and somehow made us feel like we were his only table all night.” Another guest celebrating a birthday said Walker was “extremely knowledgeable,” provided “top notch care,” and “never made us feel rushed,” thanking him for making their birthday memorable.

Zach Yunker, Server, Chandlers

You could succinctly summarize Zach’s attitude as "game." This best describes the even-keeled, flexible, and battle-tested verve that Zach brings to work. He is game to close up shop, handle a large party, or help a swamped colleague. Zach's industry experience allows him to roll with the punches, whether that's a heavy seating, long ticket time, or particular guest. Despite the often unpredictable challenges of nightly service, Zach's patience and poise allow him to consistently provide world-class service. Once when serving a regular guest who was on a date and deep in conversation, Zach saw the guest nod and began ringing in their order. He ordered cocktails, a bottle of wine, and three dinner courses. Based on his long history with the guest, Zach nailed every detail, from the variety and number of oysters to the specific type of vodka in his martini. To do this on just one occasion would be impressive enough, but Zach can perform the same feat with several of his long-time regulars. His consistency over the years makes this possible.

6.RETAIL NOMINEES

Michael Lane, Wine Guide, House of Wine

Michael is constantly thinking about how to improve the shop experience for customers. He is a kind, service-hearted team member and adept communicator. He goes the extra mile to help customers find the perfect bottle for their palate and budget while telling the story behind the bottle. His approachable and friendly nature immediately puts guests at ease in the wine shop, which can be challenging as many people are intimidated by wine. His desire to provide the best experience for guests propels him to address issues confidently and compassionately with a guest’s best interests at heart. We teach wine classes at the shop, and Michael created a class on fermentation based on feedback from two guests. He designed the class from top to bottom and taught a very complicated topic in an easy-to-understand format. The guests invited friends and loved the class. He made the wines and stories come to life, and the guests left having a unique, catered wine experience.

Gabrielle Marcantonio, Esthetician & Make-up Artist, Graeber and Company

Gabby fully embodies the service and hospitality mindset with a heart of gold. Every guest and team member she meets leaves feeling cared for, important, and special. Her beautiful outlook on life is that when we come from the heart, we can work through anything. She supports other team members, is proactive with guests to avoid challenges, and offers solutions and expertise. Her passion, care, and ability help raise the bar for others as she develops training for our team and for the students in cosmetology and esthetics programs. An example of Gabby’s forward-thinking nature is exemplified by her interactions with a guest who is a busy top performer with lots of irons in the fire. She is consistent, honors their time, invites them to take a moment of wellness when they visit, and offers efficient maintenance routines. This guest now visits more often, takes more time for their own needs, and refers Gabby to friends and colleagues.

Grace Page, Gallery Director, Idaho Art Gallery

Grace embodies her name. She is graceful in how she deals with both collectors and artists, and instantly makes people feel welcome and heard. Purchasing art is not an easy thing for most people since it is considered a "luxury" item. Many people feel intimidated just walking into an art gallery, but Grace consistently erases that unease as she greets customers and walks both long-time and first-time collectors through the process of finding the perfect piece of art that meets the needs of their space and budget. Her demeanor is cool and collected when things are hectic, and she handles issues by being direct, calm, and kind. As an artist who maintains a gallery, she is able to communicate the importance of handmade art to a public overwhelmed by cheap, artificially generated imaging. Grace’s ability to connect the collector to a meaningful piece of art goes beyond selling something — she’s creating a personal relationship between people and ideas.

7.TRANSPORTATION NOMINEES

Mary Magel, Charter Operator, Starline Collection

Mary has an incredibly warm and welcoming personality that naturally makes passengers feel comfortable the moment they meet her. She has a very kind, almost motherly presence that helps clients relax and feel genuinely cared for during their trip. Her positivity and sincerity come through in every interaction, and it makes a lasting impression on the people she serves. She takes great pride in presenting herself professionally and always dresses appropriately for each trip, which reflects her respect for the clients and the service she provides. She focuses on keeping the experience positive for the client and always works to find a solution that keeps things running smoothly. Her willingness to help and caring approach allow her to handle problems in a way that reassures both passengers and our team. In one situation, Mary was transporting a passenger who seemed a bit anxious and overwhelmed. She immediately recognized that the passenger needed a little extra care and reassurance and made sure they were comfortable, creating a relaxed atmosphere during the ride.

Denise Nielsen, Motor Vehicle Operator, Boise State University

A Bronco Shuttle driver for nearly four years, Denise skillfully navigates the challenges of operating a 30-foot, 14,500-pound vehicle through campus and downtown Boise while consistently maintaining the highest standards of safety. Widely known as an excellent listener and source of consistent positive energy, Denise knows her riders by their first names, remembers their class schedules, and stays attuned to the important moments in their lives. So much so, riders often invite her to their graduations, weddings, and baby showers. During Spring semester 2025, Denise had a regular customer who utilized a wheelchair and depended on the Bronco Shuttle for reliable transportation. She learned he had an early morning class with a very limited window of time to travel from his home to campus. Denise immediately began exploring options to best accommodate his schedule. Rather than simply follow the standard route procedure, Denise and her team adjusted their approach to strategically begin the route at a location that ensured they could arrive at his stop on time and transport him efficiently to his final destination.

Jeffrey Williams, Driver, Starline Collection

Although newer to Starline, Jeffrey has already proven to be an incredible addition to the team. He understands the importance of being professional, reliable, and making sure every client has a smooth and comfortable experience. He asks questions, listens carefully, and does a great job communicating with both clients and our team. He approaches each trip with patience and brings a positive, can-do attitude to every assignment with flexibility and willingness to go the extra mile. He is always willing to step up, whether that means traveling, taking on different types of jobs, or helping wherever needed. Clients can feel he truly cares about doing a great job and he is eager to improve, learn and grow. One example that stands out was when a last-minute schedule change required coverage for a trip that involved additional travel, Jeffrey stepped up without hesitation to serve the client even though it meant adjusting his plans.

8.VOLUNTEER NOMINEES

Martin Ackerman, Volunteer

Martin’s enthusiasm for small business development and success brings added value wherever he serves. His knowledge, experience, and practical “know-how” inspires others to achieve their dreams of business ownership. His commitment to advising small aspiring entrepreneurs allows him to effectively guide clients in developing strong business plans and growth strategies. Through clear communication, thoughtful mentorship, and real-world experiences, he helps entrepreneurs navigate challenges and build sustainable, successful companies. He provides consistent, hands-on engagement and approaches member outreach with kindness, positivity, and professionalism. Martin proactively connects with current and prospective members to ensure they are taking advantage of their Chamber benefits. He is responsive to concerns and committed to building lasting relationships that strengthen member engagement and retention. At a recent ribbon-cutting event, Martin approached a federal congressman to personally thank him for his support of the SCORE Idaho program. His work behind the scenes strengthens the businesses that serve the public, ultimately enhancing the overall customer experience within the hospitality community.

Kelly Byrne, Volunteer

Kelly is every event’s dream volunteer. Year after year, she shows up for FitOne’s Packet PickUp without hesitation. It’s a 2.5-day run in the park, and Kelly is there the entire time, arriving early and staying late to make sure the next day’s volunteers are set up for success. Not only is she incredibly reliable, she does it all with a massive smile and the best attitude in the room. She treats the event and her role at Packet Pickup like she owns them. She knows the event inside and out, confidently answering questions with ease. And if she doesn’t have the answer, she knows exactly how to find it, ensuring every participant receives the highest level of hospitality. Kelly is such a seasoned volunteer that we fully trust her to troubleshoot participant issues, answer any and all questions, and help us prepare for the next day. She consistently takes on extra tasks and does it all with genuine joy. Kelly knows the event so well that she rarely needs training — and she even helps train other volunteers.

Elaine Groissant, Volunteer

Elaine joined the Morrison Center Volunteers in 2014 and quickly became a leader. Her ability showed immediate results with new procedures and processes that allowed the group to operate with more efficiency and professionalism. This helped improve the overall experience of the patrons entering the Morrison Center for events. After spending two years as the organization's Board Vice President, then two years as the President, Elaine took over the role of Usher Chair, responsible for volunteer staffing for over 180 shows and events per year. She is responsible for ensuring all events are fully staffed with volunteers to provide for the comfort and safety of patrons. Often, volunteers cancel at the last minute so Elaine will work to find a replacement. She is always in communication with her teams and the Morrison Center staff to make adjustments in volunteer assignments. The Morrison Center continues to receive very positive comments from patrons, remarking how welcome and invited they feel coming through the doors, mainly due to Elaine's inspiration and leadership. Elaine is also a volunteer with St Luke's Auxiliary and has taken flower "spoils" from Trader Joes to the VA Hospital since 2014.

9.MANAGER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

Sara Chmiel, Chef, KIN

Sara takes great care in everything she does. Not only does she create great food, she also creates great experiences for her diners, and an atmosphere where the entire staff at KIN can thrive and do their best work. Sara always assumes positive intent and has the perspective of someone who’s been in the industry for more than 20 years. This makes her an authentic, empowering leader and consistent A+ member of the team. She delegates, but will also jump in alongside everyone to get the work done together as a player/coach. Sara is someone who addresses things head on and leaves no room for miscommunication. She truly listens and makes sure that when the conversation is done, there’s a solution that people feel good about. She once served a large group from out of town that were very demanding and not the typical Boise-nice type of customer. She remained calm, met them where they were, and handled the challenge with grace and ease to deliver an exceptional dining experience.

Megan Jones, Visitor Services Manager, Idaho Botanical Garden

Megan is the epitome of “Boise Nice.” This ethos guides how she manages her staff, who are involved in nearly every element of a guest’s experience including phone calls, admission entry, guided tours, sales transactions, and volunteer interactions. She practices a thoughtful and conscientious “listen first” approach to communicating and problem solving and takes the time to understand perspectives and create teaching moments. Recently a potential guest called with concern that the Idaho Botanical Garden was not accessible to them. They cited a prohibitive admission price, lack of transportation, and worries about navigating the space. Megan offered practical and caring solutions including the Garden’s partnership with Boise’s public libraries where members can check out a free pass. She also quickly researched bus routes and schedules and arranged a complimentary golf cart ride and wheelchair on site. Megan was rewarded with the guest’s gratitude and enthusiasm for their visit. She also made time to share this experience with her team to equip them for similar situations to ensure everyone feels welcome at the Garden.

Pattie Koskie, Wine Club Manager & CFO, Telaya Wine Co.

Pattie works seven days a week to create top notch customer experiences. As the wine club manager for nearly 14 years, she oversees almost 2000 memberships (4000 people) with grace that appears almost effortless. People light up when they see Pattie and her attitude is infectious. It’s amazing to watch and inspiring to the staff. Pattie’s detailed knowledge of the inner workings of Telaya make her the go-to person to solve problems. Regardless of the challenge, whether a flood while the owners were out of town or helping a special customer get a sought-after wine, she is always there with a smile and a solution. When a customer was particularly unhappy about the delivery of one of their shipments, Pattie tracked down the shipment, had it re-routed so the customer could have the wine for their event, and then sent a bottle to their home apologizing for the stress of the situation. Time after time, she takes the true meaning of our hospitality and makes someone's day the best they have ever had.

Thank you!

*You are allowed one voting entry per day.

10.If you'd like to receive email updates about the ROSE Awards event, please list your email.