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ATHENS TOURISM CELEBRATED
HOSPITALITY AWARDS PRESENTED 
During CVB ANNUAL MEETING

Athens, Georgia- August 19, 2010 - The Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) held its Annual Meeting Thursday, August 19 to review local tourism performance for FY 10 and plans for FY 11.  Athens Mayor Heidi Davison and Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp joined local hospitality industry representatives at the event.  Mayor Davison and Secretary Kemp spoke on the importance of Athens' hospitality industry as well as its impact on area and statewide economies.  The CVB presented the Athens Hospitality Awards, which recognize the outstanding work of individuals whose efforts have made a positive impact on the Athens-Clarke County visitor experience. 
 
The Louis Griffith Hospitality Leadership Award honors an outstanding individual in the local hospitality industry who displays foresight and exceptional leadership skills to impact the Athens-Clarke County hospitality industry and the community as a whole.  The 2010 Louis Griffith Hospitality Leadership Award was presented to Dede Farmer.  For the past 15 years she has positively impacted the Athens economy while becoming a true ambassador for home-grown hospitality.  Farmer, the Director of Operations for the Foundry Park Inn & Spa, joined the hotel in 2005 after holding previous positions at Motel Enterprises.  In addition to overseeing hotel operations, including 135 employees, and ensuring a positive guest experience at the Foundry Park Inn & Spa, Farmer has long played an active role in many community organizations.  She raised hundreds of thousands of dollars during past appointments to the Clarke Central Booster Club and Hope Haven Board of Directors.  Farmer is currently a member of the Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board and the Athens Chamber of Commerce where her input and vision have helped to transform Athens into a tourist destination of choice.
 
The Hospitality H.E.R.O.E.S. (Hospitality Employees Recognition of Excellent Service) of the Year Award recognizes a front-line employee who has exceeded normal expectations to provide excellent service to visitors and residents.  The 2010 Hospitality H.E.R.O.E.S. of the Year recipient is Patrick Howard, Guest Services Manager of the Foundry Park Inn & Spa.  The CVB recognized Howard for his dedication to the hospitality industry and for going far beyond his job description to provide assistance to hotel and spa guests.  "In my 15 years in the hospitality industry, I can't recall meeting someone who embodies the spirit of hospitality as much as Patrick.  His ready smile and willingness to help however and wherever possible with both guests and coworkers exemplifies what we strive to be in our profession," said Brad Beasley, Director of Room Operations at The Foundry Park Inn & Spa.
 
Guests of the Foundry were consistently impressed with Howard's friendliness and ability to create a one-of-a-kind hotel experience.  The following comment is typical of the response Howard receives from guests:  "This was the most wonderful experience.  The staff was absolutely incredible.  Patrick was awesome.  He went so far out of his way to make our stay perfect." 
 
"We are so gratified to be able to gather to recognize the importance of this industry to the local economy," remarked Amy Clark, CVB Leisure Travel Marketing Director.  "Through the efforts of those in this room, we are making a difference by  putting our best foot forward and delivering on visitor expectations.  A vibrant tourism product keeps our entire local economy vibrant, thanks to visitor spending."

Getting Around Town

There are plenty of good ways to get around town. Athens Transit and UGA Campus Transit operate bus routes from the new Multi-Modal Transportation Center on Broad Street behind The Classic Center. Athens is small enough to encourage walking and bicycling, but it is hilly.

There are several parking decks downtown and along the perimeter of the UGA campus. For street parking, don’t forget to feed your meter during weekday business hours before 6 p.m. (You’ve been warned.) Call ahead for local taxi service. For more details, see our transportation page.

What to Wear

We’re not fussy here. Casual attire rules for most places and most activities. A light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings is in order in fall and spring. A mid-weight jacket should suffice for all but a few winter cold snaps. Athens typically will see only a day or two with snow or ice each year.

There’s no getting around it; summers in Athens are hot! Shorts can comfortably be worn April through October.

Taxes

Sales tax in Athens-Clarke County is 7%. Hotel-Motel tax is an additional 7%.

Staying on the Right Side of the Law

  • Don’t light up indoors in a public place, or in a public park for that matter.
  • Don’t walk around with an open container of alcohol, even on game days.
  • Watch those red lights! Some intersections have cameras.
  • A handy flyer describing local ordinances that will keep you on the right side of the law.

 

Important Phone Numbers

 

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Special Offers

Discount Hotel Rates

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Special discount hotel rates available at Foundry Park Inn & Spa located in the heart of downtown Athens, GA. (Available Sunday - Thursday)