DTW Airport Ambassadors Sharon Kelly of Trenton and Lorraine Weglarz of Allen Park also were finalists for the volunteer category. Fourteen additional Airport Ambassadors from DTW were nominees at the celebrated ROSE Award program banquet at the Detroit Institute of Arts hosted by Emmy Award-winning reporter Joanne Purtan.
“Many times, the first impression visitors get of the Southeast Michigan area is created by our Airport Ambassadors,” said Wayne County Airport Authority CEO Tom Naughton. “Bob, Sharon, Lorraine, and the entire team of Airport Ambassadors do an exceptional job, and exemplify the very best of our region. Having all three finalists in the volunteer category being Airport Ambassadors truly shows how valuable the volunteer program is at DTW. Bob winning the esteemed ROSE Award makes us all proud.”
Fitzgerald has been a volunteer at the Wayne County Airport Authority for more than three years. In 2012, Fitzgerald received a silver lapel pin for the President’s Volunteer Service Award after serving 298.25 volunteer hours, despite having been hospitalized for two months due to a fall.
According to the nomination, Fitzgerald is always the first to respond to a call for volunteers and happily works any shift that is needed. He truly exemplifies a wonderful volunteer that goes above and beyond.
“With more than 20 million visitors to the metro area each year, the hospitality industry is a significant aspect of the local economy,” DMCVB President and CEO Larry Alexander said. “The ROSE Awards allow the community a unique opportunity to thank and honor the men and women, like Mr. Fitzgerald, dedicated to providing a positive experience to visitors of the region.”
Established in 1994 by the DMCVB, the ROSE Awards is an annual event dedicated to honoring front-line hospitality workers throughout the region who work tirelessly to deliver outstanding customer ROSE Award nominations were provided by clients, guests, supervisors and the general public. One winner in each of the six categories — Attractions and Casinos, Behind the Scenes, Hotels, Restaurants, Transportation and Volunteers — was chosen on a strict set of criteria, including outstanding customer service, ability to problem solve effectively, workplace attitude, knowledge and expertise. One Overall Service Champion, selected by a panel of expert hospitality professionals, was also recognized.
Winners received a prize pack which included gift certificates and tickets to some of the area’s most popular restaurants and attractions, a dozen roses and the prestigious crystal ROSE Award.
WCAA Airport Ambassadors can be found throughout Detroit Metro Airport providing information and assisting travelers at five different information booths. In 2012, 88 DTW Airport Ambassador volunteers provided 14,156 hours of volunteer service helping travelers, and promoting the Metro Detroit region to millions of people.
In addition to Fitgerald, Kelly and Weglarz, local Detroit Metro Airport Ambassador ROSE Award nominees included Dianna Surowiec and George Sawyer, both of Redford, Joe Scafero of Livonia, Lonnie Haines of Canton, Lori Scappaticci and Traci Sincock of Plymouth, Sally Henrikson and Wes Henrikson of Northville and Tom Beyersdorf of Novi.service in their industry.
JoAnne Purtan (left), WXYZ-TV anchor and mistress of ceremonies, and Larry Alexander (right), president and CEO of the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau, congratulate the ROSE Award winner for volunteering, Bob FitzGerald of Westland.