2026 Spirit of Hospitality

Greenspring Media

Greenspring Media has been honored with this year’s prestigious Spirit of Hospitality Award, recognizing its enduring role in shaping how Minnesota is experienced, celebrated, and shared. As a leading media company rooted in the Twin Cities, Greenspring has spent nearly six decades telling the stories that define this region—from its vibrant dining scene and cultural institutions to its destinations, businesses, and communities.

Receiving the Spirit of Hospitality Award is a testament to Greenspring Media’s impact on Minnesota’s tourism and hospitality landscape. Through storytelling, collaboration, and a continued investment in local voices, the organization remains dedicated to promoting the experiences that make this region welcoming and memorable. To learn more about Greenspring Media, visit greenspring.com. Congratulations, Greenspring Media!

2026 Hospitality Hall of Fame

Dan Ballstadt, Banquet Captian • Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Bloomington Edina • 38 years of service

With more than 38 years at Embassy Suites Bloomington/Minneapolis, Dan Ballstadt has built a legacy of excellence in the banquet department, consistently delivering exceptional food and beverage service for events of every size. Known for his attention to detail and calm, solutions-focused approach, he ensures each experience runs seamlessly from start to finish. Dan’s dedication extends beyond operations—his leadership by example and genuine care for guests have earned him multiple Employee of the Year honors and lasting loyalty from returning visitors. A true embodiment of hospitality, Dan sets the standard for service and remains a valued ambassador for both the hotel and the Bloomington community.

2026 Hospitality Hall of Fame

Deanna Rocksted, Restaurant Server • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington-Minneapolis South • 38 years of service

A familiar and welcoming presence for more than 37 years, Deanna Rocksted has become an integral part of the DoubleTree Bloomington experience. Throughout her tenure—spanning roles from restaurant supervisor to room service and banquet server— she has consistently delivered exceptional service with warmth and care. Today, as part of the morning restaurant and banquet teams, she’s known for her genuine connections with guests, many of whom seek her out to start their day. With an infectious laugh and a natural gift for hospitality, Deanna creates an atmosphere that feels both personal and memorable, embodying the spirit of service that defines Bloomington’s hospitality community.

2026 Hospitality Hall of Fame

Mike Tvrdik, Former Vice President of Partnership Sales • Mall of America • 30 years of service

Mike Tvrdik, former Vice President of Partnership Sales at Mall of America, spent 30 years helping shape the destination’s global reach through group sales, tourism partnerships, and sponsorships. Known for his people-first approach, Mike built lasting relationships and made every guest feel welcomed and valued. His leadership— grounded in positivity, generosity, and genuine connection—set a standard for hospitality embraced across the industry. Deeply committed to the Bloomington community, he supported organizations like Special Olympics and served on the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce Board. Mike’s legacy lives on through the countless relationships he built and the lasting impact he made on colleagues, partners, and visitors alike.

2026 Hospitality Hall of Fame

Guillermo “Bill” Zamitiz, Banquet Captain • Sheraton Bloomington Hotel • 37 years of service

With a hospitality career in Bloomington spanning more than three decades, Guillermo “Bill” Zamitiz has become a respected leader in banquet service across the city’s hotel community. Since 1989, he has served as a Banquet Captain at several properties, including the Registry/DoubleTree Bloomington Minneapolis Airport, Park Plaza Hotel, and now the Sheraton Bloomington, while maintaining longstanding ties to DoubleTree Bloomington Minneapolis South. Known for his high standards and consistency, Bill delivers seamless, memorable events and has earned praise from guests and colleagues alike. His dedication, mentorship, and pride in every property he serves reflect a level of professionalism that continues to define Bloomington’s hospitality industry.

Best Hospitality Administration

Joce Streissguth • Smack Shack

FINALISTS
Augustine Neto, Radisson Blu Mall of America
Danielle Norring, Radisson Blu Mall of America
Steve Ploog, DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington – Minneapolis South
Jessica Sanchez, Courtyard by Marriott Bloomington by Mall of America

Best Guest Relations Personnel

Ciara Graham • Courtyard by Marriott Edina Bloomington

FINALISTS
Salmaan Mohamud, Great Wolf Lodge Minneapolis/Bloomington
Pete Newburg, SEA LIFE Mall of America
Jennifer Rivers, SEA LIFE Mall of America
Ouijdane Young, Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis Airport Mall of America

Best Restaurant Personnel

Carlos De Jesus Beltron Sandoval • Hazelwood Food + Drink Bloomington

FINALISTS
Carmen Flores, Bloomington Culver’s
Ashley Hull, Smack Shack
Mario Martinez, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville
Dylann Ward, Hazelwood Food + Drink Bloomington

Best Banquet / Catering Personnel

Norma Moreno • Radisson Blu Mall of America

FINALISTS
Kelly Ekerholm, Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington Hotel
Ann Krieg, Radisson Blu Mall of America
Domingo Lopez-Cruz, DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington – Minneapolis South
Renee Pendzimas, Radisson Blu Mall of America

Best Hotel Guest Services (Limited Service)

Nicole Vibar • Element Bloomington Mall of America

FINALISTS
Eren Aguilera, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Bloomington Mall of America
Mary Hall, Courtyard by Marriott Bloomington by Mall of America
Jeanetta Lindo, Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis Airport Mall of America
Kateryn I. Lopez-Mendoza, Residence Inn by Marriott Bloomington by Mall of America

Best Hotel Guest Services (Full Service)

Madeline Riley • Radisson Blu Mall of America

FINALISTS
Marisol BlasPalma, Great Wolf Lodge Minneapolis/Bloomington
Devyn Lennex, Hyatt Regency Bloomington/Minneapolis
Ha Nguyen, DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington – Minneapolis South
Abigail Trenholm, Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Airport

Best Housekeeping Personnel (Limited Service)

Norma Lezama Garzon • Courtyard by Marriott Edina Bloomington

FINALISTS
Maria Artola, Courtyard by Marriott Bloomington by Mall of America
Jhonatan Martinez Castillo, Element Bloomington Mall of America
Rohanie Sook, Homewood Suites by Hilton Minneapolis/Mall of America
Abiye Tola, Fairfield Inn & Suites Minneapolis Bloomington/Mall of America

Best Housekeeping Personnel (Full Service)

Sandra Guaman• Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Airport

FINALISTS
Kannika Carson, Radisson Blu Mall of America
Jahosca Flores Espinoza, Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Airport
Diana Lamas Garcia, DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington – Minneapolis South
Carolina Romero, DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington – Minneapolis South

Best Hotel Restaurant Personnel (TIE)

Mizanur Rahaman • Radisson Blu Mall of America

FINALISTS
Zech Carlson, Hyatt Regency Bloomington/Minneapolis
Angel Lopez Ramirez, Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington Hotel
Virginia Reyes, Radisson Blu Mall of America

Best Hotel Restaurant Personnel (TIE)

Ryan Reiersgaard • Hyatt Regency Bloomington/Minneapolis

FINALISTS
Zech Carlson, Hyatt Regency Bloomington/Minneapolis
Angel Lopez Ramirez, Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington Hotel
Virginia Reyes, Radisson Blu Mall of America

Best Food Production Personnel

Trinidad Ponce • Sheraton Bloomington Hotel

FINAL I S T S
Chris Cordova, Cambria Hotel Bloomington Mall of America Minneapolis Airport
Maria Gutierrez-Barraza, DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington – Minneapolis South
Susan Moore, Home2 Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Bloomington
Armando Raymundo Campos, Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Bloomington Edina

Best Transportation Personnel

Bill McCarthy • Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington Hotel

FINAL I S T S
Brittany Bentley, DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington – Minneapolis South
Salena Jeanson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Bloomington Mall of America
Mark Nordstrom, Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Airport
David Quinn, Cambria Hotel Bloomington Mall of America Minneapolis Airport

Best Engineer / Maintenance Personnel

Malcolm Franklin • Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Bloomington Mall of America

FINALISTS
Ricky Acosta Cervantes, Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington Hotel
Daniel Bautista Rivas, Element Bloomington Mall of America
Aaron Raschke, Hyatt Regency Bloomington/Minneapolis
Willyanis Rodriguez, Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Airport

Best Retail Personnel

Samuel Woldegiorgis • Ridemakerz

FINALISTS
Ashuwanda Allen, Great Wolf Lodge Minneapolis/Bloomington
Danny Gleason, Mall of America
Sosena Haile, Mall of America
Rolanda Roper, M&M’s Mall of America

Best Bartender

Marta Swenson • DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington – Minneapolis South

FINALISTS
Santiago Bravo Cruz, Cantina Laredo
Travis Hanson, Radisson Blu Mall of America
Chris Quarfoth, Sheraton Bloomington Hotel
Anita Teuam, AC Hotel Bloomington Mall of America