2012 Nominee Bios / Overviews Tourism & Hospitality Award
This award will be presented to an outstanding hospitality and/or tourism business, that has improved the allure for the community and tourists who visit the Haliburton Highlands. Examples of hospitality and tourism businesses include spas, restaurants, resorts and hotels/motels, attractions and recreational.
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Bonnie View Inn
From the time of arriving at the Bonnie View Inn property 17-18 years ago as an Employee, until purchasing it 6-7 years ago and realizing every Entrepreneur’s dream, Andrea Hagarty, along with her business partner (and Husband) Executive Chef Monte Miscio, has worked diligently to develop a home for the Guests, the Staff and themselves.
There is a very strong “team” concept amongst everyone and no doubt that much of this is from the fact that management’s style is one of leading by example. A high standard is obviously what has been set by Management and the Staff has been trained to where they are able to consistently meet such performance without being “micromanaged” at every turn.
Staff and Guests alike are happy to be there! Bonnie View offers its guests a broad range of outdoor and indoor activities – allowing them to be as actively busy as they choose to be! Comfortable accommodations have been recently renovated to meet the most discriminating Guest’s budget and tastes.
A few years ago, The Bonnie View began hosting Water Sports and Parasail Adventures on their Lake Kashagawigamog shore front – this water sport service not only draws people to their property, but the Haliburton Highlands as a whole.
The Bonnie View is a strong supporter of life in the community – supporting numerous causes and fundraising effort s and Andrea can often be found volunteering her time and sitting on boards such as Haliburton Tourism, and Resorts Ontario. Their reputation “afar” is significant as well as the Bonnie view Inn has been selected “Toronto Sun Reader’s Choice’ recipient and was a Toronto Newspapers’ Bronze Medal Winner.
Domain of Killien
Some of you know what a magical experience it is at the Domain of Killien. The Domain is different from other country inns, which is why guests keep coming back! Focusing on the beauty of nature, wildlife, forests, peace and serenity, they are the real thing – unpretentious, warm and welcoming.
Protective of the wildlife that surrounds them, they help to safeguard their habitat as best as they can. From birds and chipmunks to deer, bear, moose and others, their way of life is respected, and left undisturbed as much as possible.
Guests of the Domain enjoy as much or as little activity as they please. Whatever they choose, there is a cozy and romantic dining experience by the fire at the end of the day; a comfortable room to return to with a warm feather top bed, and a delicious breakfast to anticipate in the morning.
Guests are encouraged to experience the beauty of the Haliburton Highlands – information folders in all rooms and cabins promote the community and its offerings. The Domain enhances their guest experiences through partnerships with many of the local businesses, including Winterdance, Haliburton Forest, The Wolf Centre, Yours Outdoors and the Haliburton College of Fine Arts, to name a few.
The Domain of Killien is open to the public and welcomes and encourages neighbours to join them for lunch on the summer patio, or dinner in their lakeside dining room – all are welcome!
Oakview Lodge
Moving here from Peterborough, where they owned a family restaurant, current owners Valerie and Krenar Kulla purchased Oakview Lodge in the spring of 2002. Back then, Oakview’s business consisted of room rentals (6 bed and breakfast suites); boat slip rentals for 35 boat; a small convenience store & on-site boat storage for approximately 50 boat. Over the past 10 years they have grown the business to include a very successful fine dining restaurant with a very loyal clientele; 60 rented boat slips, and boat storage of approximately 85 boats. They also employ 7-8 students each summer, whose skills benefit from the diversity of the business. Over the years, they have more than quadrupled their original business!
Oakview Lodge has built their reputation on providing their customers with a quality experience – in their restaurant, they use only the very best of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, fish & seafood, and avoid the use of processed foods and products. Always striving to exceed the expectations of their customers, they have been rewarded with a very loyal customer base.
They are also very aware of their carbon footprint and are constantly looking for ways to decrease it, using only environmentally friendly products whenever possible. They take the environmental risks that gasoline tanks pose, very seriously, and maintain the highest standards of safety.
They give back and support the community through a variety of means: by donating gift certificates and getaway packages; participating in the Fabulous Feasting book put together by Community Care; and by supporting the fish hatchery, local churches, artists, the H.C.S.A, charities and the Halls & Hawk Lakes Association.
Pinestone Resort, Conference Centre, Spa & Golf Course
The Pinestone Resort, Conference Centre, Spa & Golf Course does more than put “heads in beds” and cater to people. This premium resort facility provides guests with a quality product combined with superior customer service, achieved through professional leadership and rigorous staff training.
Frank Vismeg, Managing Director has used his expertise and many connections (including Skål International) to market the Haliburton Highlands nationally and internationally, having an impact on local tourism and the economy.
Owner, Darko Vranich, of Vrancor Group, recently invested $3.5M in The Pinestone Resort – enriching the facility with a newly renovated state of the art, spa, an indoor heated saltwater pool and an inviting outdoor pool patio area. Many room and chalet upgrades were completed as well. The golf course improvements, have resulted in an upgraded rating from the Ontario Golf Association. The luxury and professionalism of the Pinestone has made it a preferred destination for discerning guests, meetings, conferences and deluxe weddings for up to 200 guests. And the addition of the outdoor Gazebo, has enabled the Pinestone to inject some of the Haliburton Highland’s natural beauty into their banquet offerings. With 26 weddings and 8 major conferences booked for 2012 – the Pinestone brings a new dimension and tourism opportunity to the Haliburton Highlands.
The Pinestone Resort is actively involved in the community: participating on boards and committees; supporting fundraisers and sponsorships, for local groups and provincial organizations like MADD and Prostate Canada; providing co-op placement for Fleming College students interested in Hospitality/Tourism; and providing a facility for St. Peter’s ACHCH College School.
Striving to support the local economy, The Pinestone Resort employs a “Buy Local” philosophy and employs over 95 full time and part-time employees.
Yours Outdoors
Owned by Barrie Martin, experience broker, and operator, Yours Outdoors (Y0) is an adventure company operating in the Haliburton Highlands.
YO offers creative learning vacations and outdoor adventures that explore and celebrate the rich natural and cultural heritage of Haliburton County in all seasons. Designed to connect visitors with communities and the great outdoors, YO experience packages are original, engaging, and enlightening!
YO is in the vanguard of experience tourism in our region. Although Barrie Martin and his team had extensive knowledge of this region when they initiated the business concept of YO, they spent a couple of years researching other models, talking with local artists, accommodators, naturalists, entertainers, interpreters, and cultural attractions and “test-driving” their innovative experience packages before they launched the program.
Yours Outdoors works with many local partners to provide a exceptional customer service and a fascinating range of learning opportunities for visitors (and residents) to Haliburton County that involve art, nature, adventure, cuisine, heritage, active transportation and many creative twists. As a tourism business, they are dedicated to fostering awareness and understanding of ecosystems, biodiversity, and sustainable living.
Through effective marketing, social media, and several speaking engagements YO has helped put the Haliburton Highlands on the map, regionally, nationally and internationally.
Providing a packaging service that does not exist or is rare in tourism regions, Yours Outdoors pays great attention to detail to ensure a wonderful experience for its clients and to show the best of Haliburton County in creative and delightful ways.
Close this browser window/tab to return to the Nomination Voting form
2012 Nominee Bios / Overviews
Tourism & Hospitality Award
This award will be presented to an outstanding hospitality and/or tourism business, that has improved the allure for the community and tourists who visit the Haliburton Highlands. Examples of hospitality and tourism businesses include spas, restaurants, resorts and hotels/motels, attractions and recreational.
Bonnie View Inn
From the time of arriving at the Bonnie View Inn property 17-18 years ago as an Employee, until purchasing it 6-7 years ago and realizing every Entrepreneur’s dream, Andrea Hagarty, along with her business partner (and Husband) Executive Chef Monte Miscio, has worked diligently to develop a home for the Guests, the Staff and themselves.
There is a very strong “team” concept amongst everyone and no doubt that much of this is from the fact that management’s style is one of leading by example. A high standard is obviously what has been set by Management and the Staff has been trained to where they are able to consistently meet such performance without being “micromanaged” at every turn.
Staff and Guests alike are happy to be there! Bonnie View offers its guests a broad range of outdoor and indoor activities – allowing them to be as actively busy as they choose to be! Comfortable accommodations have been recently renovated to meet the most discriminating Guest’s budget and tastes.
A few years ago, The Bonnie View began hosting Water Sports and Parasail Adventures on their Lake Kashagawigamog shore front – this water sport service not only draws people to their property, but the Haliburton Highlands as a whole.
The Bonnie View is a strong supporter of life in the community – supporting numerous causes and fundraising effort s and Andrea can often be found volunteering her time and sitting on boards such as Haliburton Tourism, and Resorts Ontario. Their reputation “afar” is significant as well as the Bonnie view Inn has been selected “Toronto Sun Reader’s Choice’ recipient and was a Toronto Newspapers’ Bronze Medal Winner.
Domain of Killien
Some of you know what a magical experience it is at the Domain of Killien. The Domain is different from other country inns, which is why guests keep coming back! Focusing on the beauty of nature, wildlife, forests, peace and serenity, they are the real thing – unpretentious, warm and welcoming.
Protective of the wildlife that surrounds them, they help to safeguard their habitat as best as they can. From birds and chipmunks to deer, bear, moose and others, their way of life is respected, and left undisturbed as much as possible.
Guests of the Domain enjoy as much or as little activity as they please. Whatever they choose, there is a cozy and romantic dining experience by the fire at the end of the day; a comfortable room to return to with a warm feather top bed, and a delicious breakfast to anticipate in the morning.
Guests are encouraged to experience the beauty of the Haliburton Highlands – information folders in all rooms and cabins promote the community and its offerings. The Domain enhances their guest experiences through partnerships with many of the local businesses, including Winterdance, Haliburton Forest, The Wolf Centre, Yours Outdoors and the Haliburton College of Fine Arts, to name a few.
The Domain of Killien is open to the public and welcomes and encourages neighbours to join them for lunch on the summer patio, or dinner in their lakeside dining room – all are welcome!
Oakview Lodge
Moving here from Peterborough, where they owned a family restaurant, current owners Valerie and Krenar Kulla purchased Oakview Lodge in the spring of 2002. Back then, Oakview’s business consisted of room rentals (6 bed and breakfast suites); boat slip rentals for 35 boat; a small convenience store & on-site boat storage for approximately 50 boat. Over the past 10 years they have grown the business to include a very successful fine dining restaurant with a very loyal clientele; 60 rented boat slips, and boat storage of approximately 85 boats. They also employ 7-8 students each summer, whose skills benefit from the diversity of the business. Over the years, they have more than quadrupled their original business!
Oakview Lodge has built their reputation on providing their customers with a quality experience – in their restaurant, they use only the very best of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, fish & seafood, and avoid the use of processed foods and products. Always striving to exceed the expectations of their customers, they have been rewarded with a very loyal customer base.
They are also very aware of their carbon footprint and are constantly looking for ways to decrease it, using only environmentally friendly products whenever possible. They take the environmental risks that gasoline tanks pose, very seriously, and maintain the highest standards of safety.
They give back and support the community through a variety of means: by donating gift certificates and getaway packages; participating in the Fabulous Feasting book put together by Community Care; and by supporting the fish hatchery, local churches, artists, the H.C.S.A, charities and the Halls & Hawk Lakes Association.
Pinestone Resort, Conference Centre, Spa & Golf Course
The Pinestone Resort, Conference Centre, Spa & Golf Course does more than put “heads in beds” and cater to people. This premium resort facility provides guests with a quality product combined with superior customer service, achieved through professional leadership and rigorous staff training.
Frank Vismeg, Managing Director has used his expertise and many connections (including Skål International) to market the Haliburton Highlands nationally and internationally, having an impact on local tourism and the economy.
Owner, Darko Vranich, of Vrancor Group, recently invested $3.5M in The Pinestone Resort – enriching the facility with a newly renovated state of the art, spa, an indoor heated saltwater pool and an inviting outdoor pool patio area. Many room and chalet upgrades were completed as well. The golf course improvements, have resulted in an upgraded rating from the Ontario Golf Association. The luxury and professionalism of the Pinestone has made it a preferred destination for discerning guests, meetings, conferences and deluxe weddings for up to 200 guests. And the addition of the outdoor Gazebo, has enabled the Pinestone to inject some of the Haliburton Highland’s natural beauty into their banquet offerings. With 26 weddings and 8 major conferences booked for 2012 – the Pinestone brings a new dimension and tourism opportunity to the Haliburton Highlands.
The Pinestone Resort is actively involved in the community: participating on boards and committees; supporting fundraisers and sponsorships, for local groups and provincial organizations like MADD and Prostate Canada; providing co-op placement for Fleming College students interested in Hospitality/Tourism; and providing a facility for St. Peter’s ACHCH College School.
Striving to support the local economy, The Pinestone Resort employs a “Buy Local” philosophy and employs over 95 full time and part-time employees.
Yours Outdoors
Owned by Barrie Martin, experience broker, and operator, Yours Outdoors (Y0) is an adventure company operating in the Haliburton Highlands.
YO offers creative learning vacations and outdoor adventures that explore and celebrate the rich natural and cultural heritage of Haliburton County in all seasons. Designed to connect visitors with communities and the great outdoors, YO experience packages are original, engaging, and enlightening!
YO is in the vanguard of experience tourism in our region. Although Barrie Martin and his team had extensive knowledge of this region when they initiated the business concept of YO, they spent a couple of years researching other models, talking with local artists, accommodators, naturalists, entertainers, interpreters, and cultural attractions and “test-driving” their innovative experience packages before they launched the program.
Yours Outdoors works with many local partners to provide a exceptional customer service and a fascinating range of learning opportunities for visitors (and residents) to Haliburton County that involve art, nature, adventure, cuisine, heritage, active transportation and many creative twists. As a tourism business, they are dedicated to fostering awareness and understanding of ecosystems, biodiversity, and sustainable living.
Through effective marketing, social media, and several speaking engagements YO has helped put the Haliburton Highlands on the map, regionally, nationally and internationally.
Providing a packaging service that does not exist or is rare in tourism regions, Yours Outdoors pays great attention to detail to ensure a wonderful experience for its clients and to show the best of Haliburton County in creative and delightful ways.