Local News

Five NE Indiana Residents Honored for Tourism Work

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WOWO): A Fort Wayne restaurateur is among five northeast Indiana residents honored for their contributions to Hoosier Hospitality.

Fort Wayne's Angie Harter of Cindy's Dinner and Jim Hodgin of Science Central, Sara Hobson of Noble County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Mel Riegsecker of Riegsecker's Marketplace and Erica Anderson-Senter of Two EE's Winery were recognized regionally.

From a Press Release:

Harter has been a waitress at Fort Wayne’s Cindy’s Diner for 18 years. All customers benefit from her caring attention, impeccable memory for customers’ favorite orders and in-depth analysis about how the Fort Wayne Tin Caps played their last game. She takes pride in her role as an ambassador for Fort Wayne. Cindy’s Diner serves “the world, 15 at a time,” and is one of Fort Wayne’s most popular businesses.

Hodgin has been with Science Central since shortly after its grand opening. From 1998 through today, he has coordinated field trips, science camps, birthday parties, scout activities and special events in the building. To many teachers and program participants, he is the voice of Science Central. Hodgin fully embodies Science Central’s mission of ensuring visitors receive an educational, entertaining and cultural experience.

Hobson is a ten-year volunteer at the Noble County Convention and Visitors Bureau. She serves as the county’s volunteer receptionist nearly every day and has served multiple terms as an appointed member of the bureau’s board of directors. She also volunteers in the gift shop at the Mid-American Windmill Museum and is the educational and volunteer coordinator for the museum. She has been continuously involved with Noble County tourism since her retirement as a school librarian from East Allen County Schools in 2002.

Riegsecker has a heart for hospitality. At 72 years old, he has never met a stranger and he still loves to visit with all the guests that come to Shipshewana and Riegsecker Marketplace. He founded the Riegsecker Marketplace and today over one million guests visit each year. Riegsecker continues to be a driving force for the town of Shipshewana when it comes to tourism and his direction to over 400 employees of providing top-shelf Hoosier Hospitality has a positive impact on the community.

Anderson-Senter is the tasting room manager at Two-EE’s Winery and has been with the company since its inception. Her nominator cited Anderson-Senter’s small-town charm and engaging personality in making a lasting impression on visitors. She also promotes the winery through social media and is a dedicated Huntington County Tourism Blogger. Her familiarity with local tourism spots is a wonderful asset to visitors. The owners of Two-EE’s winery constantly receive high praise for Anderson-Senter’s knowledge, professionalism, hard work and welcoming attitude.

The award, presented by Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann cites outstanding contributions to the tourism industry.

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