April, 2005, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Rick Yarling, President of R.A. Yarling & Company, located in Portage, MI, recently received the coveted Chairman’s Award at the Michigan Hotel, Motel & Resort Association’s 100th Anniversary event.

The annual Stars of the Industry dinner, hosted by the Amway Grand Plaza, was the culmination of a two-day industry exhibit and seminar series aimed at celebrating the hospitality industry’s contribution to tourism in the state of Michigan.

For over 30 years, the Chairman’s Award has been presented to an individual member, committee chairperson or board member of the Association who has made a significant contribution that positively impacts the group.

"Rick spent countless hours putting together an expansive list of industry vendors, which allowed us to contact an increased number of potential exhibitors, many of whom had never heard of the Association or the convention. As a result, this year we doubled the number of exhibitors, and that is largely due to Rick’s involvement as an Allied Board Member," said Steve Yencich, President and CEO of the Michigan Hotel, Motel & Resort Association.

A seasoned veteran of the hospitality industry, Rick owns and operates R.A. Yarling and Company, a single-source project management and owner’s representative company specializing in hotel renovations and new hotel designs for the resort industry. Since the company’s inception in 1996, the firm has completed over 400 projects in 20 states.

"I strongly believe in serving as a contributing member and volunteering for various civic and professional organizations, as it allows me an opportunity to give back. Also, my professional experience and past history of service to other organizations makes me a valuable asset to the MHMRA," said Yarling.

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