The Woodward News

Local News

January 21, 2013

Hotel manager honored

Chris Cooper Woodward News

Woodward, Okla. — A local hotel manager was recently recognized for his exceptional work by the Oklahoma Hotel and Lodging Association.

Steve Kohl, the general manager of the Northwest Inn in Woodward and OHLA board member, received a Stars of Industry Award from the organization during their annual awards ceremony held this year at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Tulsa on January 15, 2013. Kohl was recognized as the Outstanding General Manager of the Year- Large Property for the calendar year of 2012.

The award recognizes the highest standard of management, leadership, exemplary professionalism, and dedication to the property, staff, community, and success of Oklahoma lodging industries according to the OHLA.

"For me its personally great to be recognized, but I also look at the award as a recognition for the whole community. We're a small town and we went against Oklahoma City hotels such as the Skirvin Hilton and the Colcord, as well as some high end hotels in Tulsa as well, so I think this award is great not only for myself, but for the staff, the hotel, and the community," Kohl said.

This isn't the only bit of exciting news for Kohl however as exterior renovations to the Northwest Inn are set to begin soon.

Kohl said, "We're redoing the entire exterior of the hotel, it's going to have a whole new look to it."

Kohl explained the renovations have actually been an ongoing project. Over the past 5 years renovations to the interior of the building as well as its guest rooms have taken place.

"Its' good for Woodward because people coming in from Oklahoma City are not only going to see the new hotel, but the strip mall across the street as well, so it'll be really nice for bringing in business to Woodward," Kohl said.

Construction is expected to begin within the next 2 weeks.

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