The Greenbrier gives out awards

By Christian Giggenbach
Register-Herald reporter

July 12, 2008 09:28 pm

— WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS — The Greenbrier resort recently awarded employee Gail Lanek as its “Leader of the Quarter.”
Lanek, the hotel’s director of banquets and catering, and 12 other nominees were recognized for their “leadership and dedication” at an event June 5 at The Greenbrier Sporting Club’s Summit Lodge, according to a news release from the resort. Lanek received a plaque, a pin and $350 as the recipient of the inaugural award.
Framed certificates were also given to the 12 other nominees.
Andrew Fogarty, president of The Greenbrier, praised Lanek’s work ethic, integrity and more.
“The real winner this evening is The Greenbrier because we are so fortunate to have these terrific leaders working on our team,” Fogarty said. “The three characteristics common to the nominees are competence, work ethic and integrity. Gail, as with her fellow nominees, embodies these attributes. This first cohort of nominees will set a very high standard for future nominees to meet.”
The award “recognizes managers who exhibit not only The Greenbrier’s essential attributes, but also demonstrate key leadership qualities such as teamwork, excellence in guest service, accountability, integrity and honesty,” according to The Greenbrier. Co-workers nominate managers based on these criteria.
John Johnstone, the resort’s director of food and beverage, said Lanek’s “incredible knowledge” would allow her to “step into any arena as a leader.” During the ceremony, Johnstone also read several comments from Lanek’s co-workers.
“Gail has been presented with numerous challenges during her short tenure and she has faced each one with confidence,” Johnstone said. “I am honored to work with her and very appreciative that she is a part of our food and beverage team.”
Similar awards for nonmanagement employees, called the “Ambassador of the Quarter,” were given out earlier this year.
Johnny Campbell, Dixie Bush, Juan Camacho, Curtis Persinger and James Richardson were honored by the world-famous four-star resort in May.
— E-mail: cgiggenbach@register-herald.com