The Iowa Hotel & Lodging Association recently announced its inaugural honorees for the group’s statewide industry awards. Each honoree was selected by the association’s board of directors and will be recognized at an awards luncheon on Oct. 2. The honorees will also be featured in videos on the IHLA’s YouTube channel. The 2023 award winners include:
• Hoteliers of the Year — Bhupen & Sandhya Patel, VKB Management, Johnston
• General Manager of the Year — Dwight Hopfauf, Hotel Julien, Dubuque
• Innovation Award — Raj Patel, Hawkeye Hotels, Coralville, recognized for the Hotel Fort Des Moines
• Sustainability Award (presented in conjunction with WoodRiver Energy) — Mike Whalen on behalf of the Heart of America team, Des Moines, for the Hyatt Place Altoona
• Philanthropy Award — Jessica Vanderpool, Kinseth Hospitality, Council Bluffs
• Employee of the Year —  Amelia Nickle, Hotel Grinnell/Highlander Hotel, Grinnell/Iowa City
• Industry Champion — Faith Dorn, Iowa Hotel & Lodging Association, West Des Moines
• Legislator of the Year — Rep. Craig Johnson, District 67, Independence