SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — Sullivan Catskills has continued its longstanding tradition of recognizing individuals and businesses in the region. The awards were formally presented at their holiday party and annual meeting on December 9.

The winners this year are:

STAR Award for Individual Achievement—Robert DeSalvio, President of Genting Americas East, Resorts World Catskills

STAR Award for Business Achievement—Buck Brook Alpacas

TOAST Award for Exceptional Service—Jean Paul Medina, executive chef, Callicoon Hills.

The STAR Award for Individual Achievement is given to a person who is knowledgeable about the business they represent and the Sullivan Catskills in general, and who adds a personal touch to the visitors’ experience.

Robert DeSalvio currently serves as the President of Genting America’s East. In this role, DeSalvio leads operations for Resorts World New York City, Resorts World Catskills, Resorts World Bimini and Resorts World Hudson Valley, which is opening Summer 2022.

“I am humbled and incredibly grateful to receive this award from an organization that plays such a critical role in making the Catskills an incredible place to live, work, play and stay,” DeSalvio said. “Being recognized for this would not be possible without the dedicated team of professionals at Resorts World Catskills. The Catskills holds a special place in my heart and I am excited about what the future holds for this one-of-a-kind region.”

The STAR Award for Business Achievement recognizes a business that exhibits how their business has affected the image of the Sullivan Catskills to the traveling public and enhanced the visitors’ experience.

Since 2013, Buck Brook Alpacas has transformed into a well-known, agri-tourism destination. A 40-acre haven for over 100 alpacas, two llamas, a potbelly pig, ducks, chickens, peacocks, and a variety of angora rabbits, the farm hosts thousands of visitors each year.

Kara McElroy, co-owner along with her husband, Justin. “We are grateful for the support provided to us by the SCVA over the years,” said co-owner (along with husband Justin) Kara McElroy. She expressed her gratitude for the award and said that the SCVA “has helped us become a leading Catskills tourism destination and allows us to do what we love every day.”

The TOAST Award for Exceptional Service honors an employee who gives extra effort to customers enhancing the customer’s experience. They exhibit good leadership skills and knowledge about the Sullivan Catskills.

As the executive chef at Callicoon Hills, Jean Paul Medina built the catering program and restaurant, all the while serving his menu and building lasting relationships with customers, who know him by name.

“We knew JP was special the moment he walked into a half-finished Callicoon Hills,” said Hope Rechsteiner, director of sales and events. “Our suspicions were more than confirmed when we first tasted his cooking, which is always full of butter and love. We watched him work to build a physical kitchen and a kitchen team from the ground up as we dealt with the staffing shortage of the pandemic. His team respects him and his excitement for food and dedication to excellence is contagious and very apparent when you step into his kitchen.”