Amelia Island, Florida Hotel Honored as Large Business of the Year

FERNANDINA BEACH, FL--(Marketwired - Jan 27, 2014) - The year is already off to a great start for the Residence Inn Amelia Island, which was honored at the Amelia Island-Fernandina Beach-Yulee (AIFBY) Chamber of Commerce's annual awards dinner. The downtown Fernandina hotel was recognized as the 2013 Large Business of the Year, and its general manager, Robert Hartman, was awarded the 2013 Business Leader of the Year.

The Chamber Awards Dinner, held January 10^th at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation meeting venue, considered 39 businesses, nonprofits and individuals who were nominated by Chamber members and the public.

The Chamber brings together businesses, professional leaders and individuals from the community to promote and maintain a healthy business environment, so when it came to deciding on the Large Business of the Year, this Amelia Island hotel at the beach was the clear winner. The hotel increased employment opportunities in the county by creating four new positions; contributed directly to the economic growth of the city through high occupancy rates and bringing in tourist revenue; continued to support local businesses through package offers; got more involved in local education initiatives at the Betty Cook Center and Florida State College of Jacksonville; and donated to nonprofit organizations including the Barnabas House, Micah's Place, the Rotary, Wounded Warriors, the Boys & Girls' Club and Nassau Animal Shelter.

The Residence Inn Amelia Island is also heavily involved in the area's biggest events. For the past 3 years, the hotel has been the official sponsor of the Eight Flags Shrimp Festival's kickoff event, the Pirate Parade, featuring more than 90 floats. Held annually in May, the festival celebrated 50 years in 2013. In August each year, the Residence Inn Amelia Island takes pride in being the Host Hotel for the Great Southern Tailgate Cookoff, sponsored by the Kansas City Barbecue Society. The event, which started 4 years ago, features backyard and professional barbecue teams, family entertainment and prizes.

In addition to winning Large Business of the Year, the hotel was also recognized when its general manager, Robert Hartman, won the chamber's Business Leader of the Year award. Hartman is a true team player, putting faith in his team and chipping in with everything from room inspections to litter cleanup. He ensures that no celebration goes unnoticed for guests and staff alike, and is often found hosting the hotel's family-friendly activities. Hartman's love for community is seen both in and outside the hotel, and he is currently working toward becoming a part of the Chamber's board. While it's not hard to find someone to sing his praises, Hartman is known to sing himself, too; his golden baritone voice has hosted the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival Pirate Parade for the last 3 years as master of ceremonies.

About the Residence Inn Amelia Island
A few days at the beach is always nice, but how about a week or two? The Residence Inn Amelia Island caters to those in town for both, offering extended-stay accommodations just 2 blocks from the area's beautiful beaches. Getting to that perfect spot of soft sand, the historic downtown area, Fort Clinch State Park and more is easy, as this hotel in Fernandina Beach offers a complimentary area shuttle and bike rentals. Accommodations cater to every type of traveler and are available in studio, one- and two-bedroom suites. Each offers a pull-out sofa, complimentary high-speed Internet access, at least one 37-inch HDTV and kitchen with refrigerator, microwave, stovetop, dishwasher and coffeemaker; two-bedroom suites include a full oven. Breakfast is always complimentary, and many evenings feature a complimentary social hour with food, beer and wine. Stay active with the fitness center, putting green and outdoor pool, and explore Egans Creek Greenway. Host up to 100 clients, family members or friends in Fernandina Beach wedding and meeting venues.