Stuart Hemsley (middle) accepts the Bobby Preston Award as the ORDA Employee of the Year for 2007-08. ORDA President and CEO Ted Blazer (left) and Olympic Center Manager Denny Allen made the presentation to Hemsley on June 5 at the organization's annual company-wide luncheon at Whiteface Mountain.

Said Hemsley:
Dear colleagues, I just wanted to reiterate my acceptance of the Bobby Preston Award on behalf of every single one of you with many, many thanks.

I am in a special position where I sell Lake Placid, even Gore when I can, with a level of confidence of entertaining any corporate or group guest with lifelong memories of visiting our region. Whether it is an interactive or touring experience, you all play a part in some way, shape or form. You look after the masses on a daily basis and I am included as we expand on that visit with some friendly competition, personal touches, guided service, meet the athletes and where possible a little Adirondack hospitality of course! This is all done on venues that you look after. Whether you help me by collecting the money in Finance, mow the grass at the Olympic Center, fixing bobsleds in the shop out of view, marketing or running events our venues, help create graphics or website material, provide medical coverage for whomever needs it, or just manage your staff to do all of the above, you are all in the big picture I make sure I paint for all of our guests.

I personally appreciate your dedication and know that you are all doing your level best at the many jobs you have. Please keep up the great work and thank you again for putting me in a position to win this award. Here's to a great summer and I will see you all very soon.

Your colleague in truly unique corporate entertainment on your venues!