Liberty, NY – November 26th, 2024 – The Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association (SCVA)
proudly announces the recipients of their annual awards recognizing outstanding
contributions made by businesses to the region’s thriving tourism industry. These honors
celebrate the dedication, innovation, and excellence demonstrated by individuals and
businesses shaping the Sullivan Catskills’ reputation as a premier travel destination.
The awards will be presented at the SCVA Annual Meeting and Cocktail Party on
December 5th, 2024, taking place from 5:30-8:30pm at Bethel Woods Center for the
Arts.
2024 Award Recipients
STAR Award for Individual Achievement: Bill Hess, Seminary Hill
As the Director of Orchards and Facilities, Bill Hess has been the warm and welcoming
face of Seminary Hill since they opened in 2014. He embodies professionalism and
warmth, providing guests with memorable experiences at Seminary Hill. He has been
responsible for preparing the fields, planting over 1,500 apple and pear trees, raising the
trees holistically and for achieving organic certification for our orchards. He has picked
fruit, pressed apples, overseen cider fermentations and bottlings, and led hundreds of
tours. His dedication has enhanced visitor engagement, media attention, and overall
visibility for this unique destination. He also has overseen construction of thepassive
house cider/tasting room and the Boarding Room, as well as rehabbing and maintaining
the homes in Callicoon that our guests rent. Through all of this, he has warmly welcomed
thousands of guests to Seminary Hill.
STAR Award for Business Achievement: Mike Taylor, Holiday Mountain
Mike Taylor, owner of Holiday Mountain, has significantly elevated the region’s appeal
through his business’s exemplary operations. Holiday Mountain continues to attract
visitors year-round, fostering partnerships and promoting the Sullivan Catskills on a
broader scale. This award is a testament to the power to transform a region and enhance
its appeal to both locals and tourists alike.
TOAST Award for Exceptional Service: Katie McMyne and Irvin Sorto, The Eldred
Preserve
Katie McMyne and Irvin Sorto exemplify outstanding service at The Eldred Preserve,
consistently going above and beyond to enhance visitor experiences. Their leadership and
dedication to hospitality embody the spirit of this award. As reported by those around
Katie, she is professional, conscientious, creative, organized, and completely reliable.
When not involved in her own extremely busy schedule, she makes the time and is always
ready and willing to help with just about anything on the property. Irvin has been with The
Eldred Preserve from the very beginning. According to those around him, he is the epitome
of what hospitality looks like. He is smart, creative, trustworthy, conscientious, kind,
friendly, welcoming and completely reliable.
Sullivan Catskills Ambassador Award: The Heron, Paul Nanni and Marla Puccetti
Paul Nanni and Marla Puccetti have been true ambassadors for the Sullivan Catskills
through their work at The Heron. Their innovative culinary and hospitality initiatives
continue to attract visitors while championing the region’s vibrant culture and charm. In
addition to serving the local area for 13 years, The Heron consistently provides the highest
quality food and service as a restaurant. The Heron continues to generate incredibly
positive press which benefits Narrowsburg and the region as a whole.
Sullivan Catskills Emerging Business Award: Two Farms Brewing
Founders Erika Malmgreen, Kent Findley, Mike Bruestle, and Shana Bruestle of Two Farms
Brewing have made a remarkable impact with Winterton Farms, as well as their newly born
Two Farms Brewing, the first business to open in Mamakating since 2019. The owners have
been long standing supporters of SCVA and their community for over a decade. The
opening of two farms is an exciting opportunity for the residents of Mamakating to support
local business and development in the area. Their commitment to exceptional customer
experiences and tourism innovation solidifies their role in shaping the region’s future and
we cannot wait to see what they do with their outstanding new business.
President’s Award: Aileen Gunther
Aileen Gunther is recognized for her outstanding contributions to the tourism sector in the
Sullivan Catskills. Her lifelong dedication to community development and unwavering
support of the SCVA’s mission of promoting tourism, celebrating our regions natural
beauty, supporting our many outstanding local businesses and creating a welcoming
community has left an indelible mark on the region.
Celebrating Excellence in Tourism
Their passion and hard work are instrumental in enhancing the Sullivan Catskills’ appeal as
a world-class destination.
“These individuals and businesses exemplify the dedication and innovation that make the
Sullivan Catskills an extraordinary place to visit and live,” said Roberta Byron-Lockwood,
President/CEO of the SCVA. “On behalf of the SCVA, as well as the community as a
whole, we extend heartfelt congratulations to this year’s award recipients. Their passion
and hard work are instrumental in enhancing the Sullivan Catskills’ appeal as a travel
destination. We are honored to recognize their remarkable achievements.”
We welcome and encourage all who haven’t claimed a ticket to this year’s Annual Meeting
and Cocktail Party to do so ASAP! The night will be filled with honoring tourism’s best,
celebrating record visitor spending and the opportunity for all attendees to showcase their
unique brand! Both Members and Non-Members can RSVP and get their tickets at the
following link: https://sullivancatskills.com/annual-event/. This event is free for all
members, and $70 per ticket for Non-Members. If interested in becoming a member,
please see here: https://sullivancatskills.com/join-scva/.
Press Contact: Skylar Strauss – sis@scva.net
