Last Friday night, January 31, The Vail Valley Partnership held their annual Success Awards Gala. It’s the same event at which the Antlers won the Business of the Year Award in 2003 and the Green Business of the Year in 2009. This year, our very own Magdalena King was nominated for Hospitality Professional of the Year. Out of several dozen nominees, Magda was then chosen as one of three finalists going into the awards ceremony. Two nights ago at the Vilar Center, we erupted in cheers when her name was called from the stage as the Vail Valley Hospitality Professional of 2014.
We could simply not be any more proud of Magda. It’s so nice to know that others recognized what we already knew … that nobody could possibly be more deserving of this recognition. I could go on and on (and would be happy to). However, let me just say that in addition to the countless examples of her professionalism (and everything that entails), Magda constantly inspires me and everyone else around her, to be more professional as well.
It was quite fitting that upon receiving her award, she offered a brief “acceptance speech” which was both gracious and thoughtful. Almost as many people (probably a hundred) congratulated her on her “award winning” public comments, as on the actual award itself. It was great!
Shame on us for one thing … we didn’t think to get a good picture of Magda in her time of grandeur. I took this one of her and her sister Cristina (on the left) with my phone. It will have to do for now, but that’s a shame because there is also a great story behind her beautiful dress.
At the party afterward when Jill Lammers, the Vice-President of the Partnership, complimented Magda on that dress, I had to jump in and point out that Magda told me she had designed it herself, back when she lived in Ecuador. Jill’s reaction was immediate, humorous and perfect … “Shut UP!” she exclaimed, “You win this award AND you designed your own dress! You’re killing me.”
All in all, thanks to Magdalena, the whole evening made all of us at the Antlers feel super proud.
Rob
