Montauk Woman Named Top Hotel Worker in NY

Montauk's own Virginia (Ginny) Davis was honored on Monday night as New York State Outstanding Lodging Employee of the Year for 2012.

Davis, who works as the conference and banquet administrator at , has also been nominated for a national award, given by the American Hotel & Lodging Association in Washington, D.C.

The New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association held its 2012 Stars of the Industry Awards Banquet in Albany. The awards program honors employees of the hotels, motels and tourism-related businesses throughout the state who best represent the quality service and spirit of the hospitality and tourism industry.

Davis' award, in the less than 150 room category, recognizes a non-management employee who provides outstanding services to the property, guests and community.

Before Davis accepted the award, a film that had been made about her was shown on the big screen. Lt. Gov. Robert J. Duffy delivered a welcome address.

Davis grew up in Babylon and moved to Montauk in 1975 when she started working at Gurney’s Inn and has been there ever since. In fact, she christened the Seawater Spa at Gurney's 33 years ago with another Lt. Gov., Mario Cuomo.  

Her boss , who attended the gala, had nominated Davis. Paul Monte, the CEO and general manager of Gurney’s, was there too, along with some of her colleagues and family members.

Monte said on Tuesday that the award is one of the highest forms of recognition that can be achieved in the hospitality industry in the state. "It is fitting that it should go to Ginny Davis. Ginny is an invaluable member of the Gurney's family," he said.

Her genuine warmth and caring make her adored by all the wedding couples she works with and it shows in the glowing thank you letters she receives," he said. "No one deserves this award more than Ginny and we are tremendously proud of her achievement."