Dec. 06–Unsung heroes in the hospitality sector across Broward County make a difference in the lives of many of the millions of visitors.
Front desk agent and former paramedic William Bromley’s quick thinking and action proved the difference between life and death for an injured guest.
“I looked at the guest and realized [the injury] wasn’t an ordinary scrape,” said Bromley of Hyatt Regency Pier 66, of a guest who’d collapsed with a ruptured femoral vein.
On Thursday, Bromley was among a dozen exemplary employees honored at a luncheon by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau for their commitment to delivering quality service and going above and beyond.
“For 25 years we have honored the stars who shine brightest in the hospitality industry, and today’s event illustrates more than ever why their dedication and commitment is invaluable to the 13 million annual visitors to Greater Fort Lauderdale,” CVB President Nicki E. Grossman said.
Bromley was presented with a 2013 SUNsational Service Courtesy Award and also received a two-night stay at the Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa and $200 worth of dinner certificates as part of the recognition.
“It’s an honor,” Bromley said. “Everyone here being awarded today has done great things.”
Other honorees included Raul Lopez, welcome office manager at W Fort Lauderdale, who received an award for going “dumpster diving” at the hotel to find an 18K gold ring and sentimental heirloom that a guest accidentally discarded.
Shermin Furlonge, front desk manager at Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel, showed extra care to a guest who’d lost her purse in a taxi while on a trip to celebrate her daughter’s 12th birthday. Furlonge not only tracked down the taxi driver to retrieve the purse, she also provided meal tickets to the penniless guests and even arranged for a birthday cake, which helped to salvage the trip.
For nearly three decades, Riverside Hotel room attendant Alienne Alexis has been cleaning and preparing guest rooms as if she were welcoming them in her own home, according to the CVB. Over the years she’s built a reputation for her attention to detail and special care.
“This is my family, and I always try to do the best job possible,” said Alexis, who beamed as she talked about her job.
“She takes so much pride in what she does and understands what taking ownership means,” General Manager Heiko Dobrikow said of Alexis, one of the day’s honorees.
All winners received the SUNsation Award and prizes of two-night hotel stays and dinner certificates redeemable at various local hotels and restaurants.
For information, visit sunny.org.
asatchell@tribune.com, 954-356-4209 or Twitter@TheSatchreport.
