KeyLime Cove Employee Receives Statewide Recognition from Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association
Director of Aquatics Honored with State “Stars of the Industry” Award
GURNEE, IL – (January 10, 2013) – Anthony “TJ” Pollack, the director of aquatics at KeyLime Cove® – the popular Chicagoland indoor waterpark resort – has been distinguished as the Department-Division Head Employee of the Year by the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association's (IHLA) state “Stars of the Industry” awards.
Pollack was honored during the statewide competition at the 24thAnnual IHLA Membership Meeting and State Stars of the Industry Luncheon held last month in Chicago. Nearly 800 nominations were submitted across the state, with one winner selected in each of the 11 job categories: Hotelier, Department-Division Head, Manager, Administrative, Bell Staff, First-Level Supervisor, Food & Beverage – Front of the House, Food & Beverage – Back of the House, Guest Service, Housekeeping and Maintenance.
“This past October TJ was named a regional winner, and I was thrilled to see him recognized at the state level last month,” said Dale McFarland, general manager of KeyLime Cove. “This is the only program in the state that recognizes employees in the hospitality industry. We are truly fortunate to have someone of TJ’s caliber overseeing our aquatics team and indoor waterpark.”
McFarland nominated Pollack for his consistent positive impact made in safety and hospitality to provide the best indoor waterpark experience for the thousands of families that visit KeyLime Cove each year. Last year, Pollack was distinguished as the “Manager of the Quarter” (2ndQuarter) at KeyLime Cove. Additionally, his contribution to the aquatics department since KeyLime Cove opened its doors in 2008 has resulted in the following awards:
- 2012 – Aquatics International Magazine – “Best of Aquatics” winner for Best Indoor Waterpark Resort
- 2012 – TripAdvisor – Select Travelers’ Choice Hotels for Families winner for #1 in U.S. & # 2 Worldwide
- 2012 – Daily Herald – “Readers Choice Award” for Best Indoor Waterpark
- 2011 – Aquatics International Magazine – “Best of Aquatics” winner for Best Indoor Waterpark Resort
- 2011 – Daily Herald – “Readers Choice Award” for Best Indoor Waterpark
- 2011 – Budget Travel – Top 10 Indoor Waterparks
- 2010 – Daily Herald – “Readers Choice Award” for Best Indoor Waterpark
- 2009 – World Waterpark Association – “Swim Award” for Best Employee Training Program
“As the result of excellent services that employees such as Pollack provide, more than 86 million domestic visitors and 1.7 million international visitors choose to spend time in Illinois each year, spending about $80 million a day with Illinois businesses,” said IHLA President and CEO Marc J. Gordon. “One in 10 jobs in Illinois is directly or indirectly supported by travel expenditures.”
Pollack will represent the State of Illinois at the national Stars of the Industry awards on June 13, 2013 at the American Hotel & Lodging Association Awards conference in Denver.
For more information or to make a tropical getaway reservation, visit keylimecove.com or call 1.877.360.0403.
Jennifer Beranek
608.845.9995
About KeyLime Cove Indoor Waterpark Resort
KeyLime Cove®is an island-inspired family vacation destination less than an hour drive from Chicago and Milwaukee. As The Official Resort of Six Flags Great America, the year-round resort features 414 suites and staterooms and offers a complete family vacation without ever leaving the property. Created to be an American coastal experience just a short drive from home, the resort’s entertainment and amenities include a 65,000 square-foot, 84-degree tropical-themed indoor waterpark; an arts, crafts and activities center for kids; an 8,000 square-foot arcade; multiple restaurants including D.W. Anderson’s Eatery and Ice Cream Parlor and The Crazy Toucan Margarita Grille; Paradise Mist Spa; The Enchanted Lagoon Kids Spa; and 6,000 square feet of banquet and meeting space. An abundance of fun is found around every corner, including the uniquely themed interior, arts, crafts, interactive festivities, shops and street vendors. KeyLime Cove is operated by Madison, Wis. based S&L Hospitality, a hotel and resort management company with a niche in indoor waterpark resorts.
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