Attractions
Jeannie Carlon – Mint Julep Experiences
Brent Dodge – Kentucky Derby Museum
Mike Fitzgerald – Belle of Louisville
Sara Fouts – Hermitage Farm
Bess Goldy – Muhammad Ali Center
Kayla Rainbolt – Huber's Orchard & Winery
Rose Award Voting will begin at 12:01 am on October 10th and end on October 18th at midnight on louisvilleroseawards.com.
Only one vote in each of the 11 categories will be counted from an individual email address.
Please share on your social media, louisvilleroseawards.com, and encourage your family & to read about these inspiring finalists and vote!
Jeannie Carlon
Mint Julep Experiences
Jeannie is the top-performing experience coordinator at Mint Julep Experiences, managing hundreds of groups with exceptional sales skills and creating custom tour itineraries that ensure memorable experiences. With over 15 years at the company, her quiet leadership and dedication inspire the team. She supports coworkers with itinerary questions and pricing, often working evenings, weekends, and even during vacations. Jeannie’s commitment to excellence, her ability to connect with guests, and her innovative approach to tours make her an invaluable asset. Her hard work and passion for promoting Louisville create lasting memories for visitors, making her a true ambassador for our city.
Brent Dodge
Kentucky Derby Museum
Brent consistently steps up when needed, exemplified by his last-minute Derby Ambassador presentation, where he educated and engaged attendees with his vast knowledge of Derby history and betting. He handles challenging situations with tact, ensuring guest safety and satisfaction. Brent’s willingness to help, even beyond his scheduled shifts, and his role as a mentor and role model to the team, highlight his dedication. His connection with visitors is evident, as seen when guests from his tours excitedly reunited with him at the Churchill Downs store. Brent’s commitment and positive impact make him an invaluable asset to our team.
Mike Fitzgerald
Belle of Louisville
Captain Mike has dedicated 50 years to the Belle of Louisville, training young deckhands with patience and kindness, earning admiration from staff who return to visit him decades later. He transforms discarded wood from the Belle’s paddlewheel into decor, providing revenue and delighting guests with authentic pieces of Louisville’s Legendary Lady. His thoughtful mentoring and encouraging optimism have guided many former crew members in their lives. Mike’s dedication to maintaining the vessels and training new staff has earned him respect and appreciation, making him an invaluable part of the community. As he once said, “She transcends generations and has become an important part of our community,” a sentiment that reflects his own lasting impact.
Sara Fouts
Hermitage Farm
Sara consistently goes above and beyond in everything she does, from rewriting tour scripts in her own words to ensure effective communication with guests, to creating and managing our State Fair Booth setup. Her dedication to learning all aspects of our programs and her willingness to take on new challenges inspire those around her. As an exceptional student and hard worker, Sara’s horsemanship skills and customer service abilities shine, making her a valuable asset with a bright future in the industry.
Bess Goldy
Muhammad Ali Center
Bess has been an integral part of our community, demonstrating extraordinary leadership through her unwavering dedication to preserving and celebrating Muhammad Ali’s legacy. Her pivotal role in designing, curating, and installing the “Greatest Remembered” exhibit at the Muhammad Ali Center showcases her vision, creativity, and commitment to excellence. This exhibit, which captures the global impact of Ali’s passing, goes beyond traditional storytelling, offering an immersive experience that honors the Champ’s legacy. Bess’s ability to inspire and lead her team resulted in an exhibit that exceeds all expectations in depth, emotional resonance, and educational value. Her dedication to the Center’s mission and her tireless efforts to make it a beacon of education and cultural preservation have significantly strengthened Louisville’s position in tourism.
Kayla Rainbolt
Huber's Orchard & Winery
Kayla is far more than a Receptionist; she is the backbone of our team, consistently going above and beyond her duties. She manages everything from coordinating Wine Club orders and overseeing deliveries to troubleshooting tech issues and even becoming forklift certified. Her exceptional photography skills have provided us with high-quality promotional materials, and her selfless gestures, like setting up snack tables for delivery drivers, show her genuine care for others. Kayla’s dedication, versatility, and positive attitude make her an invaluable asset to Huber’s, and her contributions deserve recognition. We are incredibly fortunate to have her on our team.