LINCOLN, NEB.—The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel, owned and managed by Marcus Hotels & Resorts, announced it has received the inaugural Innovation Stars of the Industry Award from the Nebraska Hotel and Lodging Association (NHLA). The property was recognized for its dedication to innovation through its various community-directed programs and initiatives, along with its role as a brand ambassador for the city of Lincoln, Neb.
“We are beyond excited to be honored with the inaugural Innovation Stars of the Industry Award,” said Susan Madsen, General Manager of The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel. “This award is a true testament to the unwavering commitment of our associates to our guests and our local community. Our innovative programs not only create distinctive experiences for our guests, but they provide opportunities for our guests to tap into our local culture, so they can embrace all our beautiful city has to offer. Congratulations to our entire team on this significant recognition.”
Since Marcus Hotels & Resorts became the majority owner and manager of the hotel in 2012, The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker has implemented numerous programs designed to support various community initiatives and has inspired other Lincoln hotels to participate in its efforts. These programs include creating the hotel’s successful Artist-in-Residence program that recognizes local artists, adopting a highway with other local Marriott hotels to beautify the city, raising money for local charities as part of its Battle of the Bartenders celebrity events held in Miller Time Pub & Grill, and hosting Project SEARCH, which provides on-site classroom accommodations and real-life work experiences for youth with developmental disabilities.
Home to More Than 80,000 Honeybees
The hotel also started an innovative program last year in which the hotel became home to over 80,000 honeybees. Influenced by the hotel’s former Artist-in-Residence, Margaret Berry, who created paintings using resin, pigment and beeswax, the hotel began raising honeybees on its roof to generate awareness of the decline in honeybees over the years, while also using the honey for delicious menu items and honey-inspired beer. The honey, called Bee Our Guest, is also available for purchase in the hotel’s gift shop.
Additionally, The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel also hosts numerous fundraisers and community events throughout the year such as its Tree Illuminating and Holiday Market event, to raise money for local charities, including United Way, Food Bank of Heartland, Strike Out Hunger and many others.
The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel was honored with the inaugural Innovation Stars of the Industry Award at a special ceremony at the property on May 7, 2018. The Innovation Stars of the Industry Award winner is selected by members of NHLA and awarded to the hotel that creates innovative ways to provide the best guest experience by establishing unique and personalized moments.
“The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel fosters visionary thinking and innovation,” said Kristina Phalen, President of the Nebraska Hotel and Lodging Assn. “It’s not only a truly remarkable hotel but a host to local artists, a habitat to thousands of honeybees in which the honey is put to use in a variety of ways and a safe place where youths with developmental disabilities can learn so they can have a successful future. When we looked at the hotels that are making a difference in their community, The Cornhusker shined above the rest.”
