Rosemont’s Stephens gets hospitality award from Illinois hotel group

Rosemont Mayor and Republican state Rep. Brad Stephens received an Ambassador of Hospitality award this week from the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association.

Stephens was the only non-hotelier of four honorees Tuesday during the National Restaurant Association convention at McCormick Place.

The association, which represents some 500 hotels in the state’s hospitality industry, said Stephens has bridged local leadership and state-level policymaking to advance Illinois’ hospitality and tourism economy, and noted his transformation of the Northwest suburb into one of the Midwest’s premier tourism and convention destinations that welcomes up to 100,000 visitors daily.

Stephens’ vision helped expand the village beyond conventions and airport traffic “into a diversified entertainment hub,” officials said.

“Each year we are proud to present our most prestigious awards to these outstanding industry leaders whose contributions continue to strengthen Illinois’ hotel industry,” said Michael Jacobson, the group’s president and CEO.