Lake Guntersville State Park Superintendent Michael Jeffreys was named Small Hotelier of the Year by the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association at the group’s annual awards dinner at the Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa.
Jeffreys, who is also the Alabama State Parks Division Northeast District Superintendent, received the 2019 Stars of the Industry Award for his work managing the Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge. In addition to the 112-room Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge, the park also features 20 Mountain Top Chalets, 15 Lakeside Cabins, the Pinecrest Dining Room and Hickory Lounge.
Of receiving the ARHA award, Jeffreys said, “I accept this award on behalf of our wonderful state parks system, dedicated staff and loyal patrons. It is a blessing to serve in a capacity to protect our natural resources and preserve our state parks for future generations.”
The Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association – the state’s largest trade association representing the lodging, food service and tourism industries – presented 20 awards at the event from more than 80 nominations from industry professionals.
“We are proud that Mike was recognized with this award,” Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship said. “He epitomizes the hard work and dedication that our parks staff puts forth to ensure that all of our 21 parks are professionally managed and attentive to our guests’ needs.”
Alabama State Parks Division Director Greg Lein also praised Jeffreys’ and his staff for their hard work. “The lodge at Lake Guntersville, under Mike’s direction, was one of a record 18 TripAdvisor.com Certificate of Excellence Award winners from our system this year. This was the third straight award from visitors who rate the park on that well-respected travel website. That recognition was well-deserved, again, thanks to everything that Mike and his staff do.”
About Alabama’s State Parks System
The Alabama State Parks is a division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The division maintains 21 parks encompassing approximately 48,000 acres of land and water. These parks rely on visitor fees and the support of other partners like local communities to fund the majority of their operations. Download the State Parks app at pocketranger.com. For more information about Alabama State Parks, go online to www.alapark.com. Partners Pay the Way.
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