The Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce announced that Hotel Fredonia was named Large Business of the Year 2012.
The Chamber board meets annually to review the nominations for Small Business of the Year, Medium Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year and Citizen of the Year. Members of the community have the opportunity to nominate businesses of Nacogdoches County whom they feel deserve recognition based on economic impact, community involvement, and leadership.
Janel McDonald, Manager of Guest Services and Facilities, took it upon herself to nominate the Hotel. Once the staff found out what McDonald was doing, many of the staff members signed the nomination form.
“I just got the call from Bruce (Partain) and I was so shocked,” says Susan Pack Reents, Owner and General Manager. “I had no idea my staff had done that. It really shows how much they love and care about the Hotel, the community and me. I couldn’t ask for a better team”.
Employees of Hotel Fredonia came together on Thursday July 5 to take a picture next to Reents. “We are all honored to have won this award”, says Reents. “We truly strive to continue the community’s dream”.
Hotel Fredonia last won the Small Business of the Year award in 2005. This is the first time the Hotel has won since Reents bought the Hotel back in 2008.
As a way to continue the community’s dream, Hotel Fredonia is asking members of the community to send in any photos, film or written memories they have of the Hotel. Hotel Fredonia is hoping to showcase old photos and film at the 2012 Chamber banquet.
“We know the opening of the Hotel was a big event to the community,’ says Reents. “We want to see the footage the citizens captured when the Hotel was being built and when it opened”.
Hotel Fredonia has two books available through Guest Services that explain the foundation of the Hotel. Archie P. McDonald wrote, Hotel Fredonia: For the Convenience of Travelers and Guest, and Nacogdoches Then and Now, re-photographic project directed by Christopher Talbot and introduced by David A. Lewis.
Anyone who would like to donate photos or film are encouraged to bring by any items to the business office located inside Hotel Fredonia Lobby and ask for Sarah Cummings or Erica Estrada. You can also visit our website at Hotelfredonia.com or call 564-1234.
