BETHEL, NY — The Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association (SCVA) announced that award winners for 2022 have been selected and will be honored at its annual meeting and holiday party at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 7 at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. 

“These awards recognize outstanding individuals and businesses in the Sullivan Catskills,” said SCVA president/CEO Roberta Byron-Lockwood. “We are so honored that they are a part of our thriving community.” 

Carlucci wins STAR award

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

Paul Carlucci is the vice president and co-owner of Villa Roma Resort and Conference Center in Callicoon. He has been a pillar of the Villa Roma and in the community for nearly 50 years. He started at the Villa Roma in the early 1970s in the bar department and has worked his way up to vice president and co-owner of the resort.

Carlucci also currently serves as the vice chair of the SCVA board of directors and has been a member of the board, and involved with the SCVA, for many years. 

“It’s been an amazing journey working with Paul over the last 20 years,” said Adam Jacobson, Villa Roma director of sales and marketing. “Due to Paul’s leadership and dedication to the whole region, the Villa Roma Resort has survived multiple economic downturns, fires and floods, the pandemic and various other plagues that have come our way. Paul has not only made a difference in the community and with our staff, but with all guests that have entered the Villa Roma.”

Business achievement

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

The Eldred Preserve project was brought to life by local resident and entrepreneur Dan Silna and his wife, Joan. The concept weaves the very best of three Sullivan County legacy brands—the Eldred Preserve, the Bradstan Country Hotel, and the Homestead Restaurant—together to create a completely new hospitality experience.

“The intent from the very beginning of the reimagined Eldred Preserve/Bradstan Boutique Hotel/Homestead project was to add to the fabric of the Sullivan Catskills in a positive way,” said the Silnas. “We worked hard to create a space that everyone would appreciate and enjoy. This recognition is so very much appreciated, and we are honored. We continually strive to live up to the expectations of our community.”

Exceptional service

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

Jheneel Burkley is the front office manager at the Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark. Burkley consistently goes out of her way to provide customer satisfaction to all guests with whom she interacts and exemplifies extraordinary leadership skills.

“The Kartrite experience is made whole by team members like Jheneel who truly emulate what it really means to be in the hospitality industry,” said Kim Uczkowski, general manager at the Kartrite. “These efforts never go unnoticed—from the countless positive reviews we regularly receive that mention Jheneel by name, to the positive energy she spreads in person, we cherish having her on our team.”

Emerging business award

New this year, the SCVA is adding the Emerging Business award, which will go to Dara Manzi, owner of Upstate D Tours. Manzi was born and raised in Sullivan County, and started her business this year, bringing a concierge transportation service to the wider community. 

“I love providing not just transportation but fun, safe and professional touring throughout our area,” Manzi said. “It is a much needed service that will help build tourism in our community.”

All award recipients will be honored at the SCVA annual meeting on Wednesday, December 7 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Bethel Woods. 

For more information or to register for the annual meeting, call the SCVA office at 845/747-4449.

Isabel Braverman serves as the Sullivan County Catskills brand and communications manager.