Westward Look Engineering Director Named 'Star of the Industry'

Three additional employees nominated for outstanding accomplishments

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. December 21, 2012

Tucson, AZ - December 21, 2012 - Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa is proud to announce that Al Raso, director of engineering, has been honored by the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association with a Stars of the Industry Award as Manager of the Year at the organization's annual ceremony in Scottsdale on Dec. 14. The Stars of the Industry program was created more than 40 years ago to recognize outstanding accomplishments in Arizona's lodging industry and those who symbolize quality service.

Raso started at the resort in April of 1981 as an engineer, having relocated from Chicago. He was quickly promoted to assistant chief, then chief engineer, and became director of engineering in 1995. Over the last 31 years, Raso has grown with the changes within the industry as well as his profession.

“Al has been a change agent throughout the evolution of this resort, while ever embracing the future,” said David A. Yamada, general manager of Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa. “A self-motivated man fueled by passion, he inspires those around him. Some people working for three decades at one property might have the propensity to tread water, but Al has always forged ahead, welcoming change, innovation and more importantly, being a steadfast leader.”

Raso was joined by fellow Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa employees at the Stars of the Industry ceremony who were nominated in the other three Employee of the Year categories: Ghazwan Noah, banquet cook, Food & Beverage/Sales/Catering; Mercy O'Connor, accounts receivable, Guest Services; and John Somboretz, engineer, Housekeeping/Engineering.

Raso, a father of five daughters, enjoys diving, racing cars and sky diving. He loves to vacation anywhere with an ocean and beach, with a preference to the Caribbean. He worked on the tour bus for the Beach Boys and created an album cover for the Eagles. He enjoys photography and photographs many events at Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa.

ABOUT WESTWARD LOOK WYNDHAM GRAND RESORT & SPA
Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa is set in the foothills of Tucson's Santa Catalina Mountains on 80 acres of pristine Sonoran Desert. It offers 241 guestrooms, two award-winning restaurants, a chef's garden, the Sonoran Spa, eight tennis courts, desert hiking trails, on-site stables for horseback riding and multiple pools. Since 2010, the resort has been named an AAA Four Diamond Award® recipient each year, which honors the hotel for its commitment to excellence throughout the entire property, including GOLD restaurant, the resort's extensive array of amenities, guest services and its attention to detail. More information is available by calling (800) 722-2500 or visiting www.westwardlook.com.

ABOUT WYNDHAM HOTELS AND RESORTS, LLC
Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, LLC, a subsidiary of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN), offers upscale hotel and resort accommodations throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, China and the Caribbean. All Wyndham® hotels are either franchised by the company or managed by Wyndham Hotel Management, Inc., one of its affiliates or through a joint-venture partner. Additional information and reservations for all Wyndham hotels are available by calling (800) WYNDHAM (800-996-3426) or by visiting www.wyndham.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Alejandra Cardenas
McFadden/Gavender
O: (520) 882-6262
M: (520) 440-0618
[email protected]

Karen Gavender
McFadden/Gavender
O: (520) 882-6262
M: (520) 603-4200
[email protected]

Website:
www.westwardlook.com