GoRockford Hospitality Heroes Awards
Nominations are now open for the 2026 GoRockford Hospitality Hero Awards, recognizing the individuals who go above and beyond to create unforgettable visitor experiences throughout Winnebago County. From welcoming hotel guests to delivering exceptional service in restaurants, these frontline champions help make Rockford and the surrounding communities shine.
We’re looking for outstanding team members who represent the very best of hospitality in the Rockford region (Winnebago County).
Nominees must work in one of the following industries:
- Hotel
- Attraction
- Sporting Venue
- Restaurant / Bar / Catering
- Retail
Award winners will be recognized during National Travel & Tourism Week (May 3-9, 2026), with in-person presentations at their place of work and recognition across GoRockford’s social media channels. Each winner will receive a commemorative trophy honoring their outstanding service to the local hospitality community.
Help us shine a spotlight on the people who make our destination special.
2026 Recipients
- Hotel: Cheryl Yanez, Embassy Suites
- Attraction: JoAnn Peterson, Anderson Japanese Gardens
- Sporting Venue: Sports Factory Maintenance Team, Sports Factory
- Restaurant/Bar/Catering: Carter Weaver, DairyHaus
- Retail: Alan Gonzalez, Screw City Vintage
2025 Recipients
- Hotel: Willon Henderson, Embassy Suites
- Attraction: Samantha Hochmann, Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens & Warren Franklin, Anderson Japanese Gardens
- Sporting Venue: Ryan Woodrow, Rockford IceHogs
- Restaurant/Bar/Catering: Elvis Bilich, Hard Rock Cafe
- Retail: Kim Vertiz, Loom Home + Gifts
2024 Recipients
- Hotel: Tina Sumner, Holiday Inn Express
- Attraction: Gina Brown, Discovery Center Museum
- Sporting Venue: Milton Phillips, UW Health Sports Factory
- Entertainment/Meeting Venue: Donna Johnson, Savor/ASM
- Restaurant/Bar/Catering: Karla Graham, The Office Niteclub
2023 Award Winners
- Xavier Lewis, Northern Illinois University Rockford
- Catalina Moreno, Embassy Suites
- Shuntae Chance, Staybridge Suites
- Becky Starks, Mercyhealth Sportscore
Established in 1983, National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) is an annual tradition to celebrate the U.S. travel community and travel’s essential role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating quality job opportunities, inspiring new businesses and elevating the quality of life for Americans every day.
