Announcing the First Quarterly Pick Award Honorees of 2025!
Pick Awards
We are so excited to announce the honorees of the First Quarterly 2025 Pick Awards! The Pick Awards recognize and celebrate the hospitality professionals who deliver authentic Memphis hospitality, are knowledgeable about their city, and show pride in the 901.
Every three months, we recognize an honoree in each of four different categories: restaurants, attractions, hotels, and tour guides. Each Quarterly Honoree receives a certificate and $100 gift card, presented by the Welcome to Memphis team and the honoree’s supervisors. During the surprise ceremony, Quarterly Honorees receive their recognitions, have their photo taken, and are interviewed so we can feature them on our blog and social media.
We are especially thrilled that we will get to honor these guest-facing employees who are making the most of their careers in the hospitality industry at a University of Memphis basketball game! On February 9, 2025, Welcome to Memphis will celebrate them on center court and present them with a game ball. Join us there! Use our link for discounted tickets to the game: https://gotigersgo.evenue.net/promotions/F24-TSP
Please meet the First Quarterly 2025 Pick Award Honorees:
Tour Guide: Beverly Becton-Robinson, Memphis Airport Authority, Delta Gate Agent – Beverly’s nomination was full of praise: “This Delta gate agent is extraordinary. After a round of call and response ‘good mornings,’ she explained why many Delta employees were wearing pink. She then asked if there were any breast cancer survivors. I raised my hand and she said, ‘Come on up. You’ll board first.’ (My first prize for cancer!) Then she asked if anyone was celebrating a birthday. One man said yes, and she asked him to come up and led the whole gate gathering in singing happy birthday. He too boarded first. She then brought me a rose and a button on board. People make a city. We can make a generous and kind city or not. We can make a memorable, human city or not. It’s our choice.”
Attractions: Connie Cason, National Civil Rights Museum, Guest Services Representative – If Connie’s name seems familiar, it is for a good reason! She is a 2024 Annual Pick Award winner for her outstanding hospitality. Her nominations frequently describe her as friendly, outgoing, pleasant, and kind. One such nomination reads: “She went above and beyond to make our experience truly memorable. Helped us learn more about the area and also to purchase special gifts. So much warmth, genuine care, attentiveness. Connie is an excellent listener and ambassador.” Another guest raved, “She was spectacular with her information and warm heartedness!”
Hotel: Alexandra Welch, Holiday Inn-University of Memphis, Front Desk Agent - Alexandra is appreciated for the phenomenal job she does as she welcomes and assists every guest to the hotel. Her nomination relates a special experience with one couple who stayed for a week: “She always welcomed them in and out of the hotel. They never came to the desk. They never asked for any needs. They never raised any concerns. To be honest, they never even really acknowledged Alexandra when she welcomed them. However, on their last day, the couple presented Alexandra with a token of appreciation. They were in town from a funeral, and appreciated her joyful and helpful attitude during a time of stress and loss; they wanted us to know the impact that she had on them each day.”
Restaurant: Marlon Jackson, Exline’s Pizza, Shift Leader – We are pleased to honor Marlon for his warm-hearted generosity. His nomination read: “I have seen him feed the homeless that come in several times and allow his employer to take the payment from his future wages.”
Congratulations to all the First Quarterly Pick Award Honorees of 2025! Keep an eye out for future blogs highlighting each of our honorees. We can’t wait to share their stories with you.
Nominations are currently open for the Second Quarterly 2025 Pick Awards. All professionals in the Memphis area hospitality and tourism industry are eligible, and nominations may come from visitors, locals, employers, and fellow employees. Learn more here.
