Manager of Orono inn recognized for service

ORONO – The general manager of the Best Western Black Bear Inn recently was honored as the hotel chain’s top manager at its North American Conference in Honolulu.

Tom Palmer was given the “Heroic Hospitality Stars” award, which is based on the recipient’s commitment to family, community and guests.

“He deserves whatever God gives to saints in heaven,” wrote Danny Lafayette in his nomination of Palmer for the award. Lafayette owns Lafayette Hotels, which counts the Best Western Black Bear Inn among its 24 properties.

Palmer is a Colby College graduate and lives in Dedham with his family.

The hotel also was named “Best of the Best” in customer care for the second consecutive year. The award was given to just 48 of the chain’s 2,400 properties in the U.S. and Canada.

“The Best of the Best awards recognize those Best Western hotels that truly demonstrate the highest levels of quality and service,” said Dave Francis, chairman of the Best Western’s board of directors.