The Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association (ORLA) recently honored six members of Oregon’s foodservice and lodging industry with statewide Oregon Hospitality Awards. Katherine Lam, President & CEO of Bambuza Hospitality Group based out of Portland, Oregon, was named Restaurateur of the Year. This year’s recipients represent a few of the countless individuals in Oregon’s hospitality industry who work tirelessly to create unforgettable experiences for their guests.
“Our industry’s unsung heroes are the passionate people who redefine hospitality every day,” said Jason Brandt, President & CEO of the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association. “These recipients exemplify the dedication and excellence that inspire us all.”
Katherine Lam is a successful entrepreneur with an unstoppable vision that has driven the growth of Bambuza Hospitality Group to 13 concepts and 5 brands in 4 states. In addition to running successful restaurants, she has made it part of her mission to help empower young women entering the industry. As a woman of color and business owner, Katherine sets a beautiful example for her daughters as well as the next generation looking to find success in hospitality.
Joining Katherine in the 2024 slate of award recipients:
- Lodging Operator of the Year: Eli Ramirez, The Ocean Lodge, Cannon Beach
- Team Leader of the Year: Pamela Hansen, Hallmark Inns & Resorts, Newport
- Employee of the Year: Sandra Reyes, SaltLine Hotel, Seaside
- Workforce Engagement Champion: Paul C. Paz, WaitersWorld, Portland
- Allied Partner of the Year: Willamette Valley Vineyards, Salem
Eli Ramirez, Regional Hotel Manager for Escape Lodging, first started at The Ocean Lodge in the housekeeping department 18 years ago. Quickly advancing to supervisor, then to the Front Desk, and the Assistant General Manager position, he took the helm as General Manager of the hotel in 2020. Now as Regional Hotel Manager for Escape Lodging, Eli looks back at his experiences with a unique perspective and compassion for his team, as well as a comprehensive understanding of business operations.
Pamela Hansen, Newport Area HR Manager for Hallmark Inns & Resorts, oversees HR for 252 employees and accounting activities for four high-volume properties. She makes it her mission to meet with every one of the employees and ensure their needs are heard. Pamela not only serves as a beacon of information for staff but also a valuable resource for her employers. She embodies the company’s core values by emanating kindness and respect, and she constantly looks for ways to support her team.
Sandra Reyes, Guest Services Agent for the SaltLine Hotel, makes first impressions as memorable, genuine, and welcoming as possible with every guest that walks in the lobby. Originally from Hawaii, it’s in Sandra’s nature to share the “spirit of aloha” with every encounter. Sandra is frequently mentioned in guest reviews for “going above and beyond” and making their stays both wonderful and memorable.
Paul Paz, Trainer and Founder of WaitersWorld, has a true passion for the restaurant industry. Over his 45 years as a restaurant server, he has not only raised the bar for excellence in service, but he has been a tireless champion for hospitality. He spends countless hours training industry members in customer service, providing them with foundational skills to be successful. He also dedicates time to engage with high schools, share his career journey in the classroom, and inspire our future workforce.
Willamette Valley Vineyards is recognized as an organization that has made innovative contributions to support and grow Oregon’s hospitality industry and also leads the way in providing exceptional guest experiences. Willamette’s CEO, Jim Bernau, has long been an advocate for the wine and food industries, helping shape public policy by highlighting hospitality and tourism organizations as foundational to our communities by providing thousands of jobs.
Nominated by their peers, these award recipients were recognized in front of over 300 delegates at the ORLA Hospitality Conference, September 22-23, held at the Riverhouse Lodge in Bend, Oregon.
Watch the videos for each award recipient on ORLA’s YouTube channel. For more information on the ORLA Hospitality Awards, visit www.Oregonrla.org/nominate. To learn more about the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association, visit www.Oregonrla.org.
