Commitment to People Award

The CHART Commitment to People Award was created in 1993 to recognize leaders in the hospitality industry who demonstrated a continuous dedication to people. The award is presented annually to a member's CEO/President in recognition of their outstanding commitment to the development of people in their organizations.

Any CEO/President that actively and consistently establishes a culture that demonstrates a belief in the value of people is eligible. Nominees must be in a top level position in a hospitality company to be considered for this award. Any employee in the nominee's company may submit the nomination.

Selection criteria is based on the following four categories:

  • Effective communication of the culture: Newsletters, articles, letters, etc. that address the organization's attitude toward its employees at all levels.
  • Programs that demonstrate the commitment to people: Specific programs developed and implemented that proactively enhance the value of the organization's employees.
  • Efforts to be involved in the development of people: A demonstrated active involvement in the personal growth and development of the organization's employees.
  • Ability to break down barriers to create opportunities: Establishes means (both traditional and non-traditional) of allowing others to succeed…and the programs to recognize their successes.

Please download the CHART Commitment To People Award Nomination Form here.


Past recipients of this prestigious award:

2009 - David Overton, Founder, Chairman & CEO
          The Cheesecake Factory
2008 - Skip Fox, President
          Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar
2007 - Cameron Mitchell, President and Founder 
          Cameron Mitchell Restaurants
2006 - Colin Reed, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO
          Gaylord Entertainment
2005 - Julia Stewart, President, CEO and COO
          IHOP Corp.
2004 - Rick Rosenfeld, Co-Founder
          Larry Flax, Co-Founder
          California Pizza Kitchen
2003 - Harry Bond, President
          Monical's Pizza Corp.
2002 - Kerry Kramp, President
          Buffets, Inc.
2001 - Robert Dedman, Founder and Chairman of the Board 
          Robert Dedman Jr., President & CEO
          Club Corp. Inc.
2000 - William Walton
          Holiday Inn
1999 - Molly Hancock, Chief Operating Officer
          Consolidated Restaurants, Inc.
1998 - David C. Novak, President and Vice Chairman
          Tricon Global Restaurants
1997 - Wally Doolin, President and Chief Executive
          Carlson Restaurants Worldwide
1996 - Bob Jameson, President and General Manager
          The Worthington Hotel
1995 - Simon Cooper, President and CEO
          Delta Hotel and Resorts
1994 - Joe Byrum, President
          Morrison's Hospitality
1993 - Donald N. Smith, Chairman, President, and CEO
          Friendly Ice Cream Corporation

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