15th Annual Recognition Luncheon Honors Philadelphia's Hospitality and Tourism Leaders

Recognizing Individuals Dedicated to Promoting Philadelphia as a Multicultural Visitor Destination

 PHILADELPHIA…October 29, 2009…The Philadelphia Multicultural Affairs Congress (MAC), a division of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, celebrated its 15th Annual Recognition Luncheon in front of 500 attendees at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel today. Hospitality, tourism, and community leaders were recognized for their accomplishments in support of MAC’s mission to promote Philadelphia as an ethnically diverse visitor destination. This annual luncheon is the largest and only gathering of people dedicated to increasing Philadelphia’s prominence as a top multicultural tourism and convention city.
 
    “I am honored that MAC, the first of its kind in the nation, started here in Philadelphia,” states Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter. “MAC is an important way for local multicultural businesses to connect to the economic benefits that are stimulated by the tourism and hospitality industry.”

    Edward G. Rendell, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, received the Outstanding Recognition Award, MAC’s most prestigious honor. This award exemplified his personal dedication and commitment in both corporate and community service activities in relation to the mission of MAC.

    John J. Kroll, President of Keating Hospitality, accepted MAC’s Industry Appreciation Award for his ability to pave the way for multicultural tourism initiatives and partnerships within various segments of the hospitality industry.

    The Share the Heritage Award was presented to Cheryl McClenney-Brooker, Director of External Affairs of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, for her efforts in propelling multicultural tourism initiatives in Philadelphia and our nation.

    The Pioneer Award was presented to Willie F. Johnson, Founder and Chairman of PRWT Services Inc., for his ability to overcome obstacles while furthering MAC’s mission.

    Varsovia Fernandez, President and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, received the Community Impact Award for her many years of community advocacy and her mission to create a better Philadelphia.
      
    “It is with great enthusiasm that our 15th Annual Luncheon will recognize leaders that help propel Philadelphia’s recognition as an inviting, multicultural city,” states Tanya E. Hall, executive director of MAC. “The individuals being honored contribute to our overall ability to continually position Philadelphia as a leader in multicultural tourism to our customers.”

    Sponsors of the 15th Annual Recognition Luncheon included: Amtrak, Astra Zeneca, Bank of America, Comcast Cable, Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, Exelon, Loews Philadelphia, Maven Inc., NBC 10, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, Philadelphia Museum of Art, State Farm, Univision 65 and the U.S. Census Bureau.  


The Philadelphia Multicultural Affairs Congress (MAC), a division of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, was formed in 1987 as the first multicultural division of a Convention & Visitors Bureau in the nation. MAC maximizes opportunities for the region by promoting Philadelphia as an ethnically diverse visitor destination, encouraging multicultural business and social responsibility that contributes to and benefits from the varying multicultural communities that enhance our region's hospitality and tourism industry. For more information, visit www.PhiladelphiaMAC.org