In September, we launched our new Excellence Awards program. I refer to it as “our” program because every member of IFWTWA is the muscle behind it. As IFWTWA members, it’s up to each one of us to recognize excellence when we experience it – and what an awesome responsibility that is. Giving back. Making someone’s year. Recognizing an industry professional who has set the bar a little higher with exceptional talent or service.

Excellence Award nomination forms are on the IFWTWA website and easy to fill out and submit. But before you rush to that page to fill one out, there are a few basics you need to know.

First, there are two types of awards – categories for travel and tourism service providers and categories for writers.

The travel and tourism industry service provider categories for which IFWTWA members may submit nominations are: Hospitality, Culinary, Beverage, Tour Operators, and Destination Marketing.

The writer categories are self-nominations for non-members: Professional Journalism and Emerging Writer.

If, in your travels or in your home town, you are dazzled in one or more of the five service provider categories, please go to http://ifwtwa.com/excellence-awards and fill out and submit the Excellence Awards nomination form. There is no submission fee for any of these categories of awards.

If you know a travel, food or wine writer who is not a member of IFWTWA and who deserves an award for excellent writing, please provide a few encouraging words and send him or her to http://ifwtwa.com/excellence-awards to fill out a self-nomination. There is a $15 submission fee for the writing award nominations and full instructions are online.

Nominations are read and judged by the IFWTWA Excellence Awards Committee, and award winners will receive a Certificate of Excellence, a letter of appreciation, press releases to local and national media, and an announcement at the annual IFWTWA Conference.

IFWTWA Excellence Awards are a great way for you to participate in your organization. There is no limit to the number of nominations you can submit as long as, in your judgment, the nominee deserves the award.

You have to admit that being a travel, food and wine writer often has some sweet perks. If a service provider, whether an organization or an individual, truly impresses you, what better way to say “Thanks” and send a message that IFWTWA recognizes and appreciates what they have accomplished.

Please direct any questions about the Excellence Awards program to Allen Cox, Excellence Awards Committee Chair, at allen@ifwtwa.org.

Luxury Chicago Boutique Hotel Offers Special Packages to Savor the Season

Chicago, IL– Unwrap the perfect overnight holiday package at Hotel Blake and experience Chicago at its glistening, holiday best.

Located in the heart of Chicago’s South Loop–conveniently close to the city’s famed holiday festivities, shopping and entertainment–luxurious Hotel Blake is a loving restoration of the 19th-century Morton Building, providing thoroughly modern accommodations while honoring the property’s rich history. The upscale boutique hotel offers a variety of packages and special rates to help guests savor the season, including:

- Holiday Shopper Package : Also within walking distance of Hotel Blake are the classic department stores and designer boutiques on State Street, the Magnificent Mile and Oak Street—all aglow with twinkling lights and enchanting window decorations for the holidays. Finish off your holiday shopping by taking advantage of this package, which includes: Discounted room rates; complimentary continental breakfast so you can fuel up for some power shopping; exclusive discounts to Macy’s, Water Tower Place, Bloomingdale’s, 900 N. Michigan, the stores at Northbridge and more; Garrett’s Popcorn welcome amenity.

- The Ultimate Chicago Package : Many of the city’s wonderful museums host special holiday exhibits and events. The Art Institute of Chicago–where the museum’s iconic bronze lions don holiday wreaths and the famed Thorne Miniature Rooms are specially decorated for the holidays–is having a “Home for the Holidays” celebration to mark the return of Marc Chagall’s America and other beloved works. Also not to be missed is the Shedd Aquarium’s new aquatics show, “A Holiday Fantasea,” and the Museum of Science and Industry’s “Christmas Around the World” exhibit. Hotel Blake’s Ultimate Chicago Package includes discounted overnight accommodations, complimentary continental breakfast and optional tickets to the Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Museum of Science and Industry and the Field Museum or Chicago City Passes, which include access to all these as well as the John Hancock Observatory or the Willis Tower Skydeck.

- Take the Elevator Home Holiday Party Rates: Have your holiday party at the Hotel Blake this year and avoid the extra traffic. Get this great deal when you book a group of ten rooms or more this winter. Enjoy up to 30 percent off rates for overnight accommodations in a luxurious guest room or suite, discounted rates on banquet space for your gathering, valet parking for only $25 per night (usually $44), and a customized reception menu from the Custom House Tavern.

After a busy day experiencing the Windy City, return to your own private oasis at Hotel Blake. Each of Hotel Blake’s 162 charming rooms feature warm, jewel-toned hues and richly finished woods along with 12-foot vaulted ceilings and expansive windows showcasing stunning views of downtown Chicago. Sumptuous Egyptian cotton linens and plush bathrobes offer you the ultimate comfort. Enjoy luxurious amenities such as oversized rain showerheads, i-Pod Clock Radios with high-quality sound, and in-room spa services such as restorative massages, facials, body polishes and manicures and pedicures.

Also, located right off the lobby is Chicago’s acclaimed Custom House Tavern, featuring a creative array of delicacies along with wine selections from some of the finest West Coast vineyards.

For more information about Hotel Blake, or to learn more about its packages, visit  or call (312) 986-1234.

Hotel Blake is an upscale luxury boutique hotel located in Chicago’s vibrant South Loop neighborhood, providing elegant, chic, contemporary accommodations within the confines of a charming historic building. Hotel Blake is managed by the Hostmark Hospitality Group ( ), a leading hospitality management firm that operates upscale full service hotels, resorts, focused service hotels and restaurants worldwide. Hostmark Hospitality Group, which is headquartered in Schaumburg, IL, is an award-winning operator of Marriott, Hilton, Intercontinental Hotels Group, Starwood and Wyndham Hotels.

Contact:
Tammy Petersen
Hotel Blake
Phone: 312-988-4811
Email: Tammy@LMPInternational.com

NY & NJ Regional Membership Director Gail Gerson-Witte, and   Carolyn Delafrange,  of the much celebrated   International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, invites food, wine, travel writers & their associates, to join this active & prestigious group.

A  luxurious  luncheon with  IFWTWA President. Maralyn D. Hill, as the highlighted  speaker is planned. Ms Hill will  give a short presentation, defining IFWTWA,  answer any questions & immediately induct 15 new members that have been invited & appoved by Ms Gerson-Witte  into the organization.

In  addition the Executive Chef  Jose Aviles & his talented Pastry Chef,   will do a demonstration & reveal some special secrets about their award-winning  cookery .

Where: Hamilton & Ward Steakhouse

101 Ward Street, Paterson, NJ 07505

(973) 345-8444

When: December 3, 2010

Time:  1:30

Contact:  Gail Gerson-Witte @ wineanddine10@aol.com by November 30th

or  cal the Wine and Dine Office between 1-5pm 732 758 0888

or Gail’s Cell 908 6012117c

Cost: There will be no charge for the luncheon but a $10 gratuity p.p. is expected.

Featuring : Power Point Presentation  by President Maralyn D. Hill

Executive Chef & Pastry Chef demonstration

This festival is a huge opportunity for wineries. Please check it out. If you would like to donate wine, please contact: Joan Joffa at j.joffaacme@verizon.net or see additional contact information at the bottom of the email.

Arizona wineries, this is your opportunity. Any where else, they would really appreciate your support and it would be great publicity for anyone who donates.

The Tucson Museum of Art will hold its Fourth Annual CRUSH Wine, Food, and Art Festival

on April 1 and 2, 2011.

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All events sold out at this very popular festival last year! The Friday night CRUSH pARTy, ‘Under the Stars’ is held on the grounds of the Museum. Guests enjoy live music, sample wines from over 150 wineries, food from local restaurants, and bid on the fabulous array of fine art, experiences and wine in the Silent Auction!

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The elegant Saturday evening CRUSH Classic, The Rhythm of Rio! is held at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. During the reception, more than 250 guests enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres, while bidding on the Silent Auction and previewing the Live Auction. After the reception, they adjourn to a gourmet wine-paired dinner and bid in the Live Auction for fine art, rare wine and intriguing travel packages. All proceeds benefit the Museum, particularly the education and exhibition programs.

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We are asking you to support the Museum by donating wine for the Silent and Live Auctions. 20 – 40 cases of assorted wines (reds and whites) are needed for the Auctions. Mixed cases are welcome.

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Each donating vineyard will have the opportunity in be included in the promotional materials. We also are in need of 10 – 12 large bottles (preferably signed) for the Live Auction. Recognition in promotional materials as described in the attached letter. This is a great way to support an important Tucson institution and to reach a savvy, upscale audience.

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Please visit the CRUSH website www.tucsonmuseumofart.org/crush/ to see photos from last year’s events.

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Beginning late this fall, the website will be updated with information about this year’s events.

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This festival is crucial to the life of the Museum. The Museum must raise more than 99% of its budget on its own, with $1M needed from fundraising efforts. The success of CRUSH depends on the coordinated efforts of all of the Museum support organizations, the Museum staff, artist donors and other donors, the business community, and the patrons of the Tucson Museum of Art.

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I thank you for your serious consideration and would be happy to clarify any issues if you call, or email me at nlandes922@gmail.com. If you decide to contribute, please request and complete and return the “Auction Donation Commitment” form no later than December 6, 2010 to be listed in the brochure and CRUSH Preview Magazine and by February 28, 2011 to be included in the Auction!

A Benefit for the Tucson Museum of Art140 North Main Avenue • Tucson, Arizona • 85701 • www.TucsonMuseumofArt.org • 520-624-2333