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Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association announces Award Winners for 2021

Posted 12/7/21

SULLIVAN COUNTY – The Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association (SCVA) is proud to announce the award winners for 2021. The SCVA will present the awards at our Annual Meeting and Holiday Party on …

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Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association announces Award Winners for 2021

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SULLIVAN COUNTY – The Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association (SCVA) is proud to announce the award winners for 2021. The SCVA will present the awards at our Annual Meeting and Holiday Party on Thursday, December 9, presented by Resorts World Catskills.
Honoring a long tradition of recognizing outstanding individuals and businesses in the Sullivan Catskills, the winners this year are: STAR Award for Individual Achievement, Robert DeSalvio, President of Genting Americas East, Resorts World Catskills; STAR Award for Business Achievement, Buck Brook Alpacas; and TOAST Award for Exceptional Service, Jean Paul Medina, Executive Chef, Callicoon Hills.
The STAR Award for Individual Achievement exhibits a person who is knowledgeable about the business they represent and the Sullivan Catskills in general, while instilling a personal touch to the visitors’ experience.
Robert DeSalvio currently serves as the President of Genting America’s East. He joined the Genting team in December 2019. In this role, DeSalvio leads operations for Resorts World New York City, Resorts World Catskills, Resorts World Bimini and Resorts World Hudson Valley (opening Summer 2022).
DeSalvio has over 40 years of cross-functional experience in the gaming and hospitality industries with a proven track record of creating and implementing successful marketing and growth strategies.
“I am humbled and incredibly grateful to receive this award from an organization that plays such a critical role in making the Catskills an incredible place to live, work, play and stay,” DeSalvio said. “Being recognized for this would not be possible without the dedicated team of professionals at Resorts World Catskills, who work tirelessly to make the casino-resort an experience to remember for our guests. The Catskills holds a special place in my heart and I am excited about what the future holds for this one-of-a-kind region.”
The STAR Award for Business Achievement recognizes a business that exhibits how their business has affected the image of the Sullivan Catskills to the traveling public and enhanced the visitors’ experience.
Since 2013, Buck Brook Alpacas has transformed into a well-known, Agri-Tourism destination. A 40-acre haven for over 100 alpacas, two llamas, a pot belly pig, ducks, chickens, peacocks, and a variety of angora rabbits, the farm hosts thousands of visitors each year.
“The team at Buck Brook Alpacas is honored to be receiving the 2021 Business Achievement Award from the Sullivan Catskills Visitor’s Association,” said Kara McElroy, co-owner along with her husband, Justin. “We are grateful for the support provided to us by the SCVA over the years. It has helped us become a leading Catskills tourism destination and allows us to do what we love everyday!”
The TOAST Award for Exceptional Service honors an employee who gives the extra effort to customers enhancing the customer’s experience. They exhibit good leadership skills and knowledge about the Sullivan Catskills.
As Executive Chef at Callicoon Hills, Medina built the catering program and restaurant, all the while serving his delicious menu and building lasting relationships with customers, who know him by name.
“We knew JP was special the moment he walked into a half-finished Callicoon Hills,” remarked Hope Rechsteiner, Director of Sales & Events. “Our suspicions were more than confirmed when we first tasted his cooking, which is always full of butter and love. We watched him work to build a physical kitchen and a kitchen team from the ground up (quite literally), with resilience as we dealt with the staffing shortage of the pandemic. His team respects him and his excitement for food and dedication to excellence is contagious and very apparent when you step into his kitchen.”
All winners will be honored at the SCVA annual meeting on Thursday, December 9 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Resorts World Catskills.
“We are excited to recognize the award recipients who have achieved a high level of excellence and accomplishment,” commented SCVA President/CEO Roberta Byron-Lockwood. “We’re proud that they are part of our Sullivan Catskills.”
For more information or to register for the Annual Meeting, call the SCVA office at (845) 747-4449.

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