Hospitality Solutions, Inc., a locally owned hotel management company, and Hampton Inn Gatlinburg are proud to announce that two of its team members, Christie Jordan Connatser and Ivan Antipin, received Sevier County Lodging Alliance Stars of the Industry Awards in a ceremony at Holiday Inn Pigeon Forge.
Christie Jordan Connatser was recognized as the Outstanding General Manager of the Year. This award recognizes a general manager who has demonstrated outstanding contributions of leadership, service and community and/or civic affairs. The nominees are judged on performance that goes above and beyond normal job responsibilities and outstanding unusual
service to the property, guests and community.
At the helm of Hampton Inn Gatlinburg for over 7 years, Christie has led and mentored a team that is consistently lauded for their excellent guest service.
The hotel’s enduring success is directly attributable to her leadership and vast experience in hospitality management. Nominated for this award by her own team members, they describe Christie as “an excellent example of what a general manager should be” and that she “believes in each employee and goes the extra distance to provide them the tools to learn and succeed.”
In addition to the many responsibilities of running a successful hotel, Christie is the current president of the Gatlinburg Hospitality Association and serves on the Board of Directors of the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce, the Sevier County Lodging Alliance and the Tennessee Hospitality Association. She is also close to earning a Master’s Degree in Christian Leadership from Liberty University.
Ivan Antipin was recognized as Outstanding Lodging Employee of the Year. A member of the Hampton Inn Gatlinburg team for over 6 years now, Ivan is especially good at remembering to do the “little things” that make a huge impact on guest satisfaction and the overall success of the hotel. Although not a native of Tennessee, Ivan demonstrates the finest qualities of southern hospitality. Upon accepting the award, Ivan said that visitors come to this area to “experience” East Tennessee and guest service plays a major role in making it a great experience. Ivan was also a Stars of the Industry Award winner at the state level and will now compete at the national level for the lodging industry’s most coveted award.
About Hampton Hotels
The Hampton brand, including: Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn and Suites, Hampton Inn by Hilton, Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton and Hampton by Hilton is an award-winning leader in the mid-priced hotel segment. Hampton Inn, the first hotel brand ever to be ranked #1 in Entrepreneur Magazine’s annual Franchise 500®, known as the world’s first, best, and most comprehensive franchise ranking, achieved that #1 ranking two years in a row. With more than 1800 properties globally Hampton Hotels is part of Hilton Worldwide, the leading global hospitality company. All Hampton Hotels offer warm surroundings and a friendly service culture that share a common “personality” supported by the 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. High quality accommodations, in-room conveniences and the latest technology, combined with numerous locations and consistent offerings, have made Hampton a leader in its segment and one of the fastest growing hotel brands.
For more information about Hampton Hotels, please visit www.hamptonhotels.com
About Hospitality Solutions
Hospitality Solutions also manages the Historic Gatlinburg Inn, Hilton Garden Inn in Gatlinburg, and the Hampton Inn Pigeon Forge all award-winning hotels and have received certificates of excellence from tripavisor.com. The Gatlinburg Hilton Garden Inn was the first hotel in Tennessee to be awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), as well as earning the development award from Hilton Worldwide and national recognition from the American Hotel and Lodging Association. Logan Coykendall, President, serves on the Hampton Brand Operations Council. www.hospitalitysolutions.net
