Celebrates Pineapple Awards

The Huntsville Madison County Hospitality Association (HMCHA) hosted its 26th Annual Pineapple Awards on January 31 at The Westin Huntsville. The event celebrates the prior year’s success and recognizes those who have made a major contribution to the local hospitality industry; as well as awarding general education and professional development scholarships. The event also serves to recognize board members completing their tenure of service, and to induct the new board of directors.

More than 150 attendees were joined by special guests Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and Madison Mayor Paul Finley. Catering and centerpieces were provided by The Westin, with balloon décor by Designs by Essence; and lighting, sound, music and audio/visual by America’s Party Pros.

2022 Pineapple Award winner was Current Madison County Commission Chairman and former Speaker of the House. Mac McCutcheon; B’Lisa King Lifetime Achievement Award winner was VBC Board Chairman Wayne Bonner. The event was made possible by in-kind sponsors America's Party Pros and Jeff White Photographer/Clicks Foto, Inc.

“The Pineapple Awards Dinner is like the Academy Awards for our industry in Huntsville/Madison County and is the highlight of our year. It is the culmination of many people celebrating the successes of the past year and the people that made those successes happen for our guests, event attendees, our teams, and our entire community. Hospitality employs over 21,000 people in our community and saves every household in Huntsville/Madison County more than $1,000 in taxes as a result of travel expenditures. We are proud of the work we do every day, and grateful to have the opportunity to come together as a hospitality family to celebrate!” said Jennifer Middleton, HMCHA President. n