Regency Employee Earns Hospitality Award

Kathi Anderson’s Award-Winning Touch To Hospitality

In the hospitality industry, a warm welcome and a friendly attitude can transform a guest experience from excellent to extraordinary.

This guest-first approach earned Cedar Shore Resort’s Kathi Anderson the 2019 Ruth Ziolkowski Outstanding Hospitality and Customer Service Award during the 2020 Governor’s Conference on Tourism, which was held in Pierre, SD, January 21-23, 2020.

The award “recognizes individuals who provide remarkable customer service and demonstrate an outstanding spirit of hospitality, warmth and genuine kindness to visitors,” according to the state’s tourism website.

Kathi’s Can-Do Approach

Kathi has worked at Cedar Shore for 20 years and is known for the special touches she brings to guests — and coworkers — every day. With a knack for remembering the names of guests from as far back as ten years, Kathi’s warm welcome and can-do attitude are well-known throughout the resort.

“Kathi is a gift to Cedar Shore, and her care and attention to detail is evident in everything she does for us and our guests,” said Ron Madison, Arrowwood Cedar Shore General Manager. 

Madison said Kathi makes treat bags and other gift packages for special guests, like meeting planners and event hosts, and ensures those gifts are placed in rooms upon arrival. 

The veteran resort employee also decorates the property during holidays and enjoys leading children’s activities on Independence Day. Kathi can often be found flipping pancakes for campground guests simply because she wants to, according to Cedar Shore coworkers. 

Perhaps her most unique role is when she tasks herself to “dress the part” during themed events, meetings and dinners.

“Kathi helps out wherever there’s a need for extra help or a special touch. Sometimes she’s helping clean rooms, while other times she’s even working in the restaurant to help out her fellow Cedar Shore coworkers,” said Madison.

Four individuals earn the award each year based on their geographical region in the state. Kathi earned hers for the South Dakota Tourism Missouri River Tourism region. 

Congratulations, Kathi!