Local Hotel Employee Wins Outstanding Lodging Employee Award From New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association

Two EJ Del Monte Employees Nominated for Awards in Separate Categories

Rochester, NY - The EJ Del Monte Corporation announces Nora Giannetto, Group Sales Coordinator at the Rochester Marriott Airport, was the recipient of the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association’s (NYSH&TA) Outstanding Lodging Employee of the Year Award (151 rooms or more). The award was presented at the association’s 2009 Stars of the Industry Gala & Awards Banquet at the Saratoga Hilton in Saratoga Springs on April 27th.

Giannetto, a resident of Greece, has been with EJ Del Monte Corporation since 1979 and this was the first time she had been nominated for the award.

"We are excited to have one of our employees recognized with this tremendous honor," says Laura Bennett, General Manager at Rochester Marriott Airport. "Nora has been a part of our company for 30 years and this accomplishment reflects the dedication and service she has provided to our clients during that time."

The Outstanding Lodging Employee of the Year award provides lodging properties with the opportunity to recognize exemplary professionalism and exceptional service by a lodging employee. The Stars of the Industry awards program honors employees of the hotels, motels, and tourism-related businesses throughout the state who best represent the quality service and spirit of the tourism and hospitality industry.

A second EJD Corporation employee, Tim Sullivan, AM Line Cook at the Del Monte Lodge, was a finalist (150 rooms or less) for the award. Sullivan, a resident of East Rochester, has been with the Del Monte Lodge for seven years and this was the first time he received a nomination for the award.

The New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association (NYSH&TA) is a not-for-profit trade organization representing more than 1,400 member businesses and individuals in the lodging and attractions industry. NYSH&TA’s mission is to provide a strong voice for the New York state hospitality and tourism industry, and to protect and enhance the financial welfare of the industry.

Founded in 1953, the E.J. Del Monte Corporation entered hotel construction and operation in 1974. Since that time, the E.J. Del Monte Corporation has added 17 Marriott hotels to its portfolio to include Marriott, Renaissance, Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott and Fairfield Inn by Marriott brands. Ernest J. Del Monte serves as Chairman of the Board and John Del Monte is president of the E.J. Del Monte Corporation which owns and operates 9 Marriott hotels in the Rochester area, in addition to the Spa at the Del Monte in Pittsford. With its headquarters in Rochester, NY, the E.J. Del Monte Corporation employs over 800. For more information, visit www.ejdcorp.com.