SPRINGFIELD, MO— John Q. Hammons Hotels announced that Zella Fontenot, an 18-year hotel housekeeping veteran, is the recipient of the company’s “Associate of the Year” award. Fontenot was awarded $5,000 cash and an additional week of vacation in conjunction with the honor. She is employed as a room attendant at the Holiday Inn Beaumont Plaza in Beaumont, TX, where she has worked since the hotel first opened 18 years ago. The property is operated by Springfield, MO-based John Q. Hammons Hotels, an independent builder, developer, owner and manager of upscale, full-service hotels, resorts and suites. Fontenot was selected from among nominated candidates from 56 properties that comprise the John Q. Hammons Hotels portfolio. Fontenot has cleaned over 100,000 rooms at the Holiday Inn Beaumont Plaza, which translates to cleaning the hotel 400 times. Leonard Clifton, general manager of the Holiday Inn Beaumont Plaza, said Fontenot has an “enthusiastic attitude and confidence in her abilities.” He called her “the ‘cheerleader’ of the housekeeping department and trainer of choice for new associates.” Clifton shared the following story as an example of Fontenot’s dedication. “One of the guests in Zella’s assigned rooms was feeling ill while attending a conference. Zella would check up on him in between her room duties. The guest required medical attention at the hospital, and Zella continued her vigil by going to the hospital to ensure he was being taken care of properly. Going above and beyond the call of duty is Zella’s way of life,” Clifton said.
