Awards & Recognition

The Outstanding Professor Award recognizes commitment to and excellence in the delivery of education for the commercial recreation profession.

AWARD CRITERIA

• Member of RCRA for more than 3 years.
• Be currently employed for more than 5 years at a College/University.
• Have made a significant and positive impact at his/her College/University.
• Encourages students to participate in RCRA and is involved in academic growth, internship experience and professional development.

The Outstanding Student Award recognizes the student or intern member who has worked to make a positive contribution to the Association, his/her property, or university/college.

AWARD CRITERIA

• Be a current member of RCRA.
• Be currently enrolled at a college/university or be on a university/college internship at an RCRA member property.
• Have made a significant and positive impact at his/her school or internship location.

The Outstanding Vendor Award recognizes an outstanding RCRA vendor who supports the association by being committed to providing RCRA members
excellent customer service and quality products.

AWARD CRITERIA

• Be an active RCRA Member for at least one year.
• Be a business owner for two years.
• Have sponsored a portion of an event, function or activity at a National Conference.

The Excellence in Research Award recognizes the valuable contribution of a selected piece of research that is presented at the RCRA Research Symposium.

AWARD CRITERIA

• Be an active RCRA Member.
• Present a piece of research at the RCRA Research Symposium at the National Conference.

The Excellence in Programming Award recognizes professional(s) or student(s)
who have created and implemented a special, unique, and innovative program
that has brought special recognition, significant increase in guest/student
satisfaction, contributed to the betterment of the community, and/or increased
profitability to the member’s property or educational institution.

AWARD CRITERIA

• Program goals
• Guest/participant satisfaction
• Synopsis and duration
• Supplies required
• Number of participants
• Promotional materials
• Uniqueness / innovative
• Ease of reproduction
• Value / increased profitability
• Staffing efficiency
• Present at National Conference

The Making The Difference Award recognizes the energies, motivation and commitment of a professional that is dedicated to the growth of this association and industry through creative ideas, promotional efforts and continued support all while making an impact at their own property.

AWARD CRITERIA

• Be a RCRA member for at least 2 years and in good standing.
• Be active in some capacity within RCRA.
• Have established impacts on profit, increased program attendance, guest
  satisfaction, property marketability or other related items.

To recognize commitment to, and excellence in the pursuit of, commercial recreation and service to the RCRA and its members.

Debbie Regnone is one of the original eight founding members of RCRA and has been a member of our Association since.
This award is one of the Association’s top honors.

AWARD CRITERIA

• Be a member of RCRA for no less than 5 years
• Be employed for no less than 5 years in the field of resort or commercial recreation
• Be active in RCRA committees and on-board assignments, outside contributions, and exhibits; leadership within and outside the Association; or has performed exemplary service to the Association
• Be of fine moral character

To recognize a career of extraordinary achievement providing inspiration, integrity and dedication to our Association, our members and the entire industry.

Dr. Howard Uibel was a professor of Recreation Management. As a former Association member, Board member, and Past President, he wanted everyone who is a member of RCRA to ACHIEVE greatness in the recreation industry. His legacy lives on through this lifetime achievement award.

This award is one of the Association’s top awards.

AWARD CRITERIA

• Be a member of RCRA for no less than 10 years
• Be employed for no less than 10 years as a college/university professor or professional recreation and park executive, supervisor, director, leader
  or specialist in the field of resort or commercial recreation
• Active in RCRA via committees, board assignments, outside contributions, and exhibits; leadership within and outside the Association; or has performed exemplary service to the Association
• Be of fine moral character
• Have won the Debbie Regnone Service Award
• Must be at least 2 years since the winning the Debbie Regnone Service Award

To recognize an individual for being a top professional in the field of commercial
recreation. Celebrating and honoring a legacy of dedication, excellence, leadership, outstanding achievement and consistent contributions to our Association, our members and the entire industry.

This award is considered to be RCRA's top honor and truly celebrates an individual's dedication to the Association and industry.

AWARD CRITERIA

• Be a member of RCRA for no less than 15 years
• Have 15 years’ experience in the field, active in RCRA via committees, board assignments, outside contributions, and exhibits; leadership within and outside the Association; or has performed exemplary service to the Association
• Be of fine moral character
• Received the Debbie Regnone Service Award & The Howard Uibel Lifetime Achievement Award