Award Winners in the Pocono Mountains
Celebrate the numerous Pocono Mountains businesses that have received local and national recognition.
JIM: It's award season and the Pocono Mountains is home to numerous award winners on the local and national level for everything from hospitality and service to craft beer and marketing the destination. So we wanted to give some of those award winners an opportunity to give an acceptance speech here at the historic Sherman Theater in downtown Stroudsburg to take some pride in all that these folks do to make the Poconos what it is.
"Wow. Thank you so much. You know, these first couple of months in this first year here with The Swiftwater have been absolutely tremendous. Between a AAA Four Diamond, Newcomer of the Year from the PRLA, and many other awards based on construction, service, and interior design, we are so thankful for our team, the dedication, and unwavering support from the community. We wanted to build this hotel to elevate the Pocono Mountains and really draw attention to how amazing our home is. So thank you."
Dante Trapasso - The Swiftwater & desaki
“Oh, man, what an incredible and award-winning year for Wallenpaupack Brewing Company."
"Yeah, it's been a phenomenal year for us. We're so excited to accept all of these awards on behalf of everyone that works so hard for us day in and day out at the brewery."
"Starting with our first-ever World Beer Cup for our Belgian golden strong Kroon, we followed that up by double-dipping with the Great American Beer Festival gold medal."
"It's been an amazing year for us here in the Poconos, and we can't help but thank everyone that’s gotten us here—our amazing customers in the brewpub supporting us day in and day out, our phenomenal workers all throughout the company, and of course, just calling the Poconos our home and appreciating all the amazing resources we have here that go into our beer every day. Cheers!"
Becky Ryman & Brad Beneski | Wallenpaupack Brewing Company
"Wow, this is like a dream come true. I'm Genevieve Reese, here to represent The French Manor Inn and Spa. I would be remiss if I didn't start by thanking my parents, Ron and Mary Kay, and my sister, Bridget Weber. It's a family business. We've had The French Manor since 1990, and we've been receiving these Four Diamond Awards for 21 years now, since 2003. We couldn’t do it without our capable staff. We have a fabulous chef, Keegan Marchand, and my assistant manager, Chris Jordan. I can't thank everyone today, but I truly am honored. The Pocono Mountains have asked us to be here today to accept this award, and we would not be here without all of our guests who have been faithfully coming to see us since 1990. We look forward to many years to come. Thank you, and we will continue to earn those Four Diamonds. So come see us!"
Genni Reese - The French Manor Inn & Spa
"How do you inspire people to wake up every day and vote for you as the number one retreat center in the United States? You provide the best service. And you embrace them like nobody else can. On behalf of the staff and the teams of the Himalayan Institute, it's an honor to accept this award as the number one yoga retreat center in the United States. Our commitment to providing the best service is what makes us great, and it's echoed by every destination location throughout the Pocono Mountains. I'm thrilled that we were recognized as the best of the best. Thank you."
Brian Fulp - Himalayan Institute
"Hi, I'm Steve Rosado with Milford Hospitality Group, and we are extremely proud to have been considered for the Heritage Tourism Award with the Route 6 PA Alliance. As I think through it, it's so fitting that we were considered for this, as we strive so hard to achieve this type of recognition, given the historic boutique lifestyle hotels and restaurants that we own and operate in the town of Milford. I just want to thank everybody that works with us—not for us—to achieve this incredible goal. And so, again, thank you so much for considering us for this award. We are extremely proud and will continue to create memories and experiences in the town of Milford."
Steve Rosado - Milford Hospitality Group
"Hi, I'm Terri Lutz, regional vice president of marketing for Camelback and Blue Mountain Resorts. I am truly honored to be the recipient of this year's 2024-25 HSMAI Extraordinary Minds in Sales, Marketing, and Revenue. Coming from sales, marketing, and everything hospitality, reaching this point in my career has truly been a blessing. And I couldn't have done it without my team here at Camelback Resort."
Terri Lutz - Camelback Resort
"I'm sorry I can't be with you today to accept the Magellan Award on behalf of PTN, but I want to share a couple of cool things. Since we started PTN, I guess it's been about six or seven years now, we’re in close to 10 million homes and reach about 25 million people between cable, over-the-air, and online. We're really, really proud of the network. Our folks are doing an incredible job, so we owe any type of award or recognition to them. We are grateful that they're able to tell great stories about the Pocono Mountains. Thank you."
Chris Barrett - Executive in Charge of Production, PTN