Nebraska Tourism recognizes Outstanding Frontline Employee Award winners

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LINCOLN, Neb. (March 7, 2021) - In celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week, Nebraska Tourism recognized five outstanding frontline tourism employees from all across the state.

The Outstanding Frontline Employee Award recognizes individuals that go above and beyond while interacting with travelers and locals. They strive to enhance visitors’ experiences and demonstrate high levels of customer service and pride in their destination. Nebraska tourism industry members were encouraged to submit nominations for outstanding frontline employees in their community.

“The Nebraska tourism industry relies on frontline employees since they’re the ones interacting with travelers while they are here,” said John Ricks, Nebraska Tourism executive director. “We’re lucky to have so many dedicated frontline workers in Nebraska and I’m pleased to recognize some of them for their hard work in creating a positive experience for visitors.”

The 2021 Outstanding Frontline Employee Award recipients are:

Joel Green
Robber’s Cave Tours
Lincoln
Joel Green spent years researching to write the award-winning book about Robber’s Cave, “Robber’s Cave: Truths, Legends, Recollections,” and he uses his knowledge to give tours of the cave seven days a week year-round. Thousands of people have enjoyed Joel’s informative and entertaining tours the past four years, and he has welcomed visitors from all 50 states. Joel is the epitome of someone who loves his hometown, Lincoln, Nebraska, and goes above and beyond to be sure that guests know where to stay and where to dine once they’ve finished their tour.
 
Jim & Sandy Hoffman
Wayne Municipal Airport
Wayne
Jim and Sandy Hoffman live on site at the Wayne Municipal Airport and since 2013 have been available 24/7 to greet and help airport arrivals. They are friendly and knowledgeable about the airport and the community. They make sure the terminal is stocked with information guides, beverages and gas in the loaner vehicles. They take pride in the Wayne community and have a great relationship with all local businesses. Jim goes out of his way to greet and tell visitors the history of the airport and how the community supports it. Jim and Sandy are the friendly faces of Wayne to air travelers from all over the world.
 
Whitney Mayhew
Broken Spoke Boutique
Valentine
Whitney Mayhew, owner of the Broken Spoke Boutique, goes above and beyond to act as a tourism ambassador for the area. This year, the boutique is a stop on the 2021 Nebraska Passport and the local 1st Annual Cherry County Passport Program. Along with offering a wide array of locally sourced products and souvenirs, Whitney often promotes other businesses and attractions on the boutique’s social media pages. If anyone asks what there is to do in the Sandhills in Nebraska, Whitney will take the time to talk with that person and help recommend an adventure tailored to them.
 
Sue Ann Romohr
Kirtsey’s Clothing & Gift Boutique
York
Sue Ann Romohr opened up Kirtsey’s Clothing & Gift Boutique five years ago with her husband and daughter in York. Even though Sue Ann and her husband have since sold their share of the boutique, she can still be found working many hours on the sales floor with customers. She will stay late, open early and even open the shop outside of business hours for groups visiting from out of town. Sue Ann is a member of the Chamber Executive Board and serves as Ambassador Chair. She’s a great example of Shop Local and customer service for locals and tourists that frequent the York area.
 
Ken Schlueter
Omaha Visitors Center
Omaha
Ken Schlueter started as an Omaha Ambassador at the Omaha Visitors Center in 2012. When visitors interact with Ken, they get a great overview of Omaha along with service personalized to their needs. Ken took it upon himself to be the official 'orderer of brochure rack cards' so that the Omaha Visitors Center is always stocked for visitors. Ken also became a Step-On Guide for group tours in 2016. As a seasoned and respected Ambassador, he assists in training new Omaha Ambassadors. Ken also volunteers at the National Park Service in Omaha and the Union Pacific Museum in Council Bluffs.