Page 26 - Southern Oregon Magazine Fall 2018

AWARDS
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HOSPITALITY AWARDS

TWO SOUTHERN OREGONIANS RECEIVE STATEWIDE AWARDS FROM OREGON RESTAURANT & LODGING ASSOCIATION

outhern Oregon can be proud of receiving not one, but two, hospitality awards. These individuals were recognized among their peers and
Sover 300 delegates of Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association’s Convention during the Hospitality Industry Awards Dinner on September
30 in Tigard. “Oregon’s hospitality industry is teeming with individuals who contribute significantly to the health of the trade,” says Jason Brandt,
ORLA president and CEO. “These winners represent not only some of our industry’s most dedicated leaders and advocates, but also the exem-
plary service that sets the high standard for the entire industry to achieve.”

www.oregonrla.org/hospitality-industry-awards.html

LODGING OPERATORS OF THE YEAR—
DOUG AND BECKY NEUMAN

oug and Becky Neuman, owners of Neuman Hotel Group, have been selected for a statewide 2018 Hospitality Industry Award as announced
Dby Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association. The Neumans were named Lodging Operators of the Year.

In less than two decades Doug and Becky Neuman have transformed Southern Oregon’s hospitality scene. It started with the purchase of the
dilapidated Mark Antony Hotel (now the Ashland Springs Hotel) in late 1998, which they “brought back to its glory.” Their passion for Oregon
led them to expand. Neuman Hotel Group’s current portfolio includes four hotels, three restaurants, two spas and soon a resort in Jacksonville
featuring a Victorian home.
Beyond economic and job creation, the Neuman’s impact on the region fulfills a community need as they revitalize properties that celebrate what
Oregon has to offer. More importantly, they create an incredibly supportive work environment for close to 350 employees, training and retaining
a staff that loves what they do.

www.neumanhotelgroup.com

OREGON RESTAURATEUR OF THE YEAR—
THOMASON HOSPITALITY GROUP

ave Thomason of Thomason Hospitality Group LLC, has been selected for
Da statewide 2018 Hospitality Industry Award as announced by Oregon
Restaurant & Lodging Association. Thomason was named Oregon Restaurateur
of the Year.

As a 16-year old busboy for Carl’s Jr. in Anaheim, CA, Thomason got a taste of
the restaurant industry. Today, the busboy-turned-restaurateur owns a company
that oversees 44 operations with a workforce of over 600 employees. He has
been a strong advocate of the industry, serving 18 years as an ORLA Board
Member and as a Past President.

Through Dave’s leadership, experience and passion, Thomason Hospitality
Group has realized tremendous growth in recent years. Taprock Northwest Grill
opened in May 2009 and serves as the centerpiece of the Thomason Hospitality
Group, which includes statewide holdings—Elmer’s, Pita Pits, Human Beans, and Purple Parrots.

Dave sees success as more than growth and profits. He believes their employees are their best asset and the greatest advantage over their competi-
tors, and maintains that treating emloyees with respect values their individuality and empowers them to provide great service.

24 www.southernoregonmagazine.com | fall 2018