In 2004, the Association also created The Pinnacle award in honor of the late
Louis N. Ventresca.

The recipient of the PINNACALE AWARD should be a unique individual, or member property or organization, which is civic-minded and displays exemplary professionalism, generosity and integrity. This winner should be a generous volunteer who serves as a mentor and donates to charitable causes. This prestigious award should be awarded to an individual, or member property or organization, which is philanthropic and consistently provides much-needed services to the local community. This award exemplifies the “Best of the Best”.

This category is judged on performance that goes above and beyond normal responsibilities; including outstanding and unusual service to the property, guests and/or the community. Examples include campaigns to benefit local or national service organizations or charities; service to any part of the community through a special project; and joint undertakings with community groups for the benefit of the area.

THE PINNACLE AWARD nominees are individual Stars Winners from the current year. Winners that are included in this category are lodging properties, museums, parks and attractions, ski areas, convention and visitors bureaus, convention centers, historical sites, chambers of commerce, colleges and universities, and tourism promotion agencies.

Pinnacle Award Winners

2011 - Annette Sterling, Affinia Manhattan, New York City, NY

2010 - Allen Fusco, Holiday Inn Express Horseheads / Holiday Inn Elmira Riverview, NY

2009 - Pete Ames, Best Western University Inn, Canton, NY

2008 - Peter Sydoriak, Elmira Horseheads Holiday Inn Express, Horseheads, NY

2006 - Yannick Benjamin, Ritz-Carlton, Central Park, NY

2005 - Angelo Mazzone, Glen Sanders Mansion, Scotia, NY

2004 - Shelly Crouch, Corning-Painted Post Holiday Inn, Painted Post, NY