South Shore CVA Announces Next Six “Faces of Tourism”

30-Faces-of-TourismTourism group to name 30 individuals throughout July

The South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority has announced the next group of the 30 Faces of Tourism.

Throughout the month of July, the organization will be unveiling information on 30 individuals as part of their 30th anniversary celebration. The newly announced group includes Judi Brown, Director of Administrative Services at the South Shore CVA; Jack Mix, chef/owner of Comfort’s Catering and Restaurant; Chareice White, Director of Government, Public and Community Relations for Majestic Star Casino and Hotel in Gary, IN, and Fitzgeralds Casino Hotel in Tunica, Mississippi; Leon Wolek, founder of Leon’s Triathlon; Alice Pickford, owner of Wells Street Beach; and Steve Teibel, third generation owner of Teibel’s Family Restaurant.

Brown has been a part of the hospitality and tourism industry for 40 years, holding positions ranging from being a waitress and hostess to becoming a supervisor and manager. She has been recognized for numerous awards for her hard work and dedication. In 1999, Brown chose to follow a different path in the industry and began her career with the South Shore CVA. Having started as a receptionist, Brown worked through the ranks and became the Executive Assistant to the President/CEO to the position she holds now.

Wolek, a South Shore native, competed as a triathlete during the 70s and 80s. Having always seen the potential of Northwest Indiana to host a world-class triathlon, Wolek decided to host his first triathlon in Hobart, Indiana, at the Izaak Walton League. After continued growth, Wolek moved his triathlon to its current location in Hammond, Indiana. Leon’s “World’s Fastest” Triathlon continues to grow, hosting over 750 athletes. The event is filmed and aired on Comcast SportsNet, highlighting Northwest Indiana as a premium active lifestyle destination.

White has been in the casino industry for 14 years. Under her direction as Director of Government, Community and Public Relations, the company has donated millions of dollars to various organizations. White is also very active in the community, serving as president of ECIER, a structured educational program for youth. She also serves as a member of numerous other boards.

Mix has spent over 40 years in the hospitality and tourism industry. He has worked locally for hotels, country clubs, banquet facilities, restaurants and catering companies. Mix also dedicates time to instructing culinary education courses and is currently an assistant instructor in Purdue Calumet’s Hospitality and Tourism Management department while running his catering and restaurant business.

Teibel’s Family Restaurant opened in 1929, and due to Teibel’s tremendous leadership skills and customer service, the restaurant continues to be a staple in the Northwest Indiana community.

Pickford took over Wells Street Beach, a family-owned business, in 1978. Since then, she has kept the beach a popular seasonal destination. Numerous family and special events are hosted at this location and through the years, over 300 young people have begun their careers with Pickford.

Throughout the South Shore CVA’s 30 years in existence, there has been much growth in the hospitality and tourism industry. Due to exceptional hospitality professionals, the South Shore has become a destination for families, amateur sporting events and meetings. The 30 Faces of Tourism are individuals who have highly impacted this industry along the South Shore. For more information on these individuals, or to learn the stories of the other Faces of Tourism, visit www.alongthesouthshore.com/30.