Sheraton Sand Key's Gm Russ Kimball Named To Tourism Hall Of Fame
CLEARWATER, Fla. — (August 2009) — Russ Kimball, General Manager of the Sheraton Sand Key Resort, has been inducted into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame, an award presented on behalf of the Florida Commission on Tourism.
The Florida Tourism Hall of Fame honors contemporary and historic figures whose vision, creativity and drive have had a major impact on the development of Florida tourism. Kimball was announced as the most recent inductee at the opening reception for Visit Florida's Governor's Conference, the state tourism board's annual state-of-the-industry conference. Kimball's recognition now stands amongst other famed tourism veterans and past recipients including Walt Disney, Henry Flagler and Governor Jeb Bush.
"You can't think of Florida tourism without thinking of Russ Kimball," said Visit St. Pete/Clearwater Executive Director DT Minich. "And I can't think of anyone—either in St. Pete/Clearwater or anywhere in the state—who deserves this recognition more than he does."
Kimball was recognized for his efforts towards driving international tourism to both to Pinellas County and the state. But not only has Kimball worked diligently to promote tourism, he has to a great extent focused on supporting his local community. In addition to his deep commitment to helping young people achieve career success in hospitality services, he has always been at hand for charitable causes and community needs.
This tourism award follows many accomplishments in Kimball's career. Trained in hotel and restaurant management in New York and at Florida State University, Kimball was commended as a "model for Florida's hospitality efforts." Kimball's team at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort consistently earns a Top Ten ranking in guest satisfaction, and has achieved the #1 ranking for meeting planner satisfaction among all Sheraton Hotel properties in North America. In addition to these tourism triumphs, he is also named in the Florida State Dedman School of Hospitality Hall of Fame.
