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The 2007 White Glove Recipient – MARIA ELENA MILLER – HYATT REGENCY MIAMI

 

Maria has been a member of the SFCA for the past 10 years and currently serves as Secretary for the organization. She has worked at the Hyatt Regency for many years and began her hospitality career in Housekeeping with the hotel. She is very active in her hotel and the association mentoring, fostering and developing relationships with our members and sponsors alike.

Maria initial role in the SFCA was member support.

 

The Silver Plume Recipients are:

 

UP AND COMING CONCIERGE OF THE YEAR

 

Chauncey Sullivan – Acqualina Resort

 

Chauncey, although fairly new to the SFCA, is not new to the industry. Prior to joining the Acqualina concierge team, Chauncey worked at the American Express Card Centurion offices supporting card members  in a concierge role.

 

Membership does have its privileges and knowing Chauncey has been one of them. A few months ago we hosted trainings for our concierge members at Williams Island. This unfortunately coincided with Chauncey’s medical procedure that kept her in a wheelchair for quite some time. Did this impede her?, not exactly, I remember Chauncey mobilizing herself in order to make these trainings so that she could expand her knowledge in her new role.  It does not appear that Chauncey does not let any obstacles stand in her way. Her determination and overall character have earned her the recognition she rightfully deserves. Look for BIGGER and BETTER things coming from Ms. Sullivan. She is defiantly a star on the rise, and quick.

 

CONCIERGE OF THE YEAR

 

Cha Cha Decapua – Boca Raton Resort & Club

 

Cha Cha is a self starter and go getter. She has been a member of the SFCA for the better part of four years. She is also a newly elected member of Les Clefs d’Or as well as President of the Concierge Association of the Palm Beaches. Cha Cha was instrumental in planning and executing the 2006 Florida Concierge Conference in being one of the most successful and memorable conferences to date. She has worked at the best hotels in Palm Beach including the Four Seasons, The OC Beach Resort, The Colony Hotel, The Boca Bridge Resort and as of late the Boca Raton Resort & Club. Her smile is infectious and her personality is GOLDEN. She a truly an asset to her hotel, her association and the concierge community. Those that know Cha Cha LOVE Ms. CHA CHAAAAA!!!!

 

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

 

Ernesto Aragon – Guest Services Manager – Biltmore Resort and Spa

 

If anyone has single handedly changed the perception and personality of a hotel, Ernesto has.  I remember back in 1994 when Ernesto joined the Biltmore team. Although the hotel was nice it was nowhere near the palatial mega-resort it is today. Ernesto has played a key role in the revamping of the hotels processes and amenities. He oversees the concierge team, door staff and valets providing any arriving guest at the Biltmore a sense of YOU HAVE ARRIVED. Ernesto has made some great accomplishments in past years and as of late as well. He graciously hosted the closing gala for the 1999 Les Clefs d’Or Pan American Congress. He has hosted extravagant concierge dinners and meetings and recently hosted our July Concierge Training with a Five Star Dinner at Les Palm d’Or Restaurant immediately after the meeting. He has mentored many top area concierges that have gone on to become Chef Concierge themselves, which says allot. To be great is one thing, but to inspire greatness in others is the difference between a GOOD Concierge and a GREAT Concierge. We are proud to recognize Ernesto as the 2007 Lifetime Achievement recipient for his vision, drive and mentorship of others.

 

To all the nominees and recipients CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO EVERY DAY!!!