The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) celebrated the stars of Florida’s hospitality industry at its Shades of Pink Installation and Awards Gala on Wednesday, October 7, 2015

FRLA Celebrates Florida’s Hospitality Industry Stars at Awards Ceremony

FRLA congratulates its newly elected Executive Committee, Hall of Fame and Shades of Pink award winners.

At the event, Hall of Fame Awards were given to individuals who have attained career distinctions of the highest level and were recognized for distinguished service to their industry, community, charitable organizations and family. The 2015 Hall of Fame is as follows:

2015 Restaurateur of the Year: Chris Christini, Christini’s Ristorante Italiano, Orlando
For more than three decades, Chris Christini’s namesake, Christini’s Ristorante Italiano, has been recognized as a world-class dining establishment. Christini’s is a five-star dining experience like no other. The experience of opening more than 19 restaurants and hotels (including five original Alfredo’s of Rome in the United States) has earned Christini significant recognition in the restaurant business. He has received a number of prestigious awards including: the Fine Dining Hall of Fame, the Ivy Award and the Best Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator Magazine. More than 30 years later, Christini still oversees every aspect of the operation. His impeccable reputation has drawn celebrities, dignitaries and professionals from all over the world.

2015 Hotelier of the Year: Russ Kimball, Sheraton Sand Key, Clearwater
Russ Kimball arrived in Florida 1966 and began his career as General Manager of the Sheraton Sand Key Resort on Clearwater Beach. He is still serving in that position today. His dedication to customer satisfaction, non-stop reinvestment in facilities, and his continuous advancement of quality standards has brought significant attention to the hotel, leading to it being ranked consistently in the “Top 10” for customer satisfaction in North American Sheraton Hotels. Kimball’s leadership extends beyond hotel operations through his service as an international marketing pioneer for Florida. As an original board member of VISIT FLORIDA, he championed the establishment of international offices and continues to travel as an ambassador. He has served for more than 30 years as a member and now Vice Chairman of the Pinellas Tourism Development Council and is engaged in numerous associations dedicated to enhancing regional and national hospitality. The city of Clearwater awarded him the title of “Mr. Clearwater” (2010) and he has also been inducted into the Hall of Fame for both VISIT FLORIDA and the Dedman School of Hospitality at Florida State University.

2015 Supplier of the Year: Greg Ohlemacher, Ecolab
Ecolab has been a strong supporter of FRLA for many years, and Greg Ohlemacher has contributed greatly to the association throughout his employment with Ecolab. Ohlemacher is a graduate of Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management. He started his career with Hyatt Hotels in 1990 and held various management positions including: Executive Steward, Restaurant Manager and Assistant Hotel Manager. Greg started with Ecolab 1994. His diverse experience with Ecolab includes working as: Territory Sales Manager, District Sales Manager, Area Route Manager, Operations Director for Global Marine, Corporate Accounts Manager, and currently is the AVP of Sales for North Florida.

During the evening, FRLA also announced four new annual award categories to recognize exceptional service throughout the state: Restaurant General Manager of the Year, Hotel General Manager of the Year, Restaurant Employee of the Year and Hotel Employee of the Year. Winners and nominees were chosen by a panel of independent industry judges.