Bavarian Inn Lodge President, Daughter Win Prestigious MSU Awards

June 26, 2012 - PRLog -- Frankenmuth, MI – June 26, 2012 – Frankenmuth’s Bavarian Inn Lodge and Conference Center president, Judy Zehnder Keller, and her daughter Martha Zehnder Keller made history by winning Michigan State University’s prestigious “Industry LEADER of the Year” and “Emerging LEADER of the Year” awards.  The duo became the first mother and daughter combo to claim the honor presented by The School of Hospitality Business at MSU.

The awards were given at this year’s Annual Gathering of Leaders for The School of Hospitality Business in Chicago during the National Restaurant Show in May.

The Chicago event was truly a family affair, with mother, daughter and matriarch Dorothy Zehnder joining Dr. Ronald F. Cichy, Director and Professor of The School of Hospitality Business, now in its 85th year.  
While Martha, now a Chicago resident, followed in her mother’s footsteps at MSU, she is actually the fourth generation of Zehnders to make hospitality and food service her life’s work. Martha started her career with Starwood’s Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, and in only eight years became director of convention services and the youngest member of the hotel’s Executive Committee. She and her staff have earned several important distinctions, including “Stellar Leader of the Year” and “Convention Service and Catering Team of the Year,” both from Starwood.  Martha continues to work at the preeminent hotel overlooking the Chicago River, Lake Michigan and the city skyline.
Judy Zehnder Keller and the Bavarian Inn Lodge and Convention Center are no strangers to recognition.  Just last year, Judy was ranked in the top 10 of Leading Moms in Business by StartupNation.com. The Lodge was named a first time winner in the category “Greatest of the Great Lakes Bay Place for a Wedding Reception” as voted by readers of the Great Lakes Bay regional lifestyle magazine.  Judy received the Jaycees top honor – the 2011 Herbert L. Keinath Distinguished Service Award -- given for selfless contributions to the local community. Like her mother Dorothy Zehnder, Judy is a pioneer and role model for women in the industry. She is also a leader in the Michigan Hotel and Lodging Association. In addition to serving as president of the Lodge, Zehnder Keller also serves as president of the Frankenmuth Cheese Haus, Frankenmuth Gift Shop, Inc. and the Frankenmuth Motel.
Both Judy and Martha credit Dorothy Zehnder for instilling in them the good “work ethics” that have enabled both to succeed in their many endeavors. Dorothy, now 90, continues her active lifestyle, working at Bavarian Inn Restaurant six days a week overseeing kitchen operations.
About Bavarian Inn Lodge
Judy designed, developed, and leads the Bavarian Inn Lodge (www.bavarianinn.com), which opened in 1986, and which, under her direction, has undergone four expansions, resulting in today’s seven-acre facility.  The multi-faceted resort has 360-guestrooms and a conference center perfect for hosting conventions at the local, regional or national level. Among its many features, the Inn boasts: an indoor waterpark with five indoor pools and three whirlpools, 18-hole indoor miniature golf course, two restaurants, two gift shops, free WiFi internet and a conference center that can accommodate up to 500 people.

Millions of visitors travel to Frankenmuth annually. In 25 years of business, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has been an important destination for travelers, evidenced by the 1.25 million room-nights that have been booked there since its opening. To learn more, visit http://www.bavarianinn.com/ and www.frankenmuthweddings.com.

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