Sheraton Atlanta General Manager Honored By Trumpet Awards Foundation

April 26,2012

Niles Harris, General Manager of the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel, was honored by the Trumpet Awards Foundation at their 20th Annual Awards Ceremony for helping to change the face of the hospitality industry.

The Trumpet Awards is a prestigious event that honors the accomplishments of African Americans in the United States and beyond who have succeeded against immense odds. Special recognition is given to the few, who symbolize the many that have achieved special greatness by overcoming a variety of obstacles and challenges. The Annual Trumpet Awards was created to celebrate and honor African American achievers and those who support the African American experience.

For their 20th Anniversary, the Trumpet Awards Foundation decided to honor a group of individuals who have helped to change the face of the hotel industry at the front door. The "Power at the Front Door" award was created to salute African American General Managers of major hotels, including Mr. Harris. These leaders were selected from a group of nominees and were recognized as achievers in the hospitality industry who embody the spirit and principles of the Trumpet Awards. 

"I was honored to have been selected to receive a Trumpet Award and be recognized alongside my fellow honorees," Mr. Harris said. "The award has such great significance because it recognizes the enormous progress that's been made in the hotel industry and in our country relative to inclusion and opportunity.  I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Ms. Xernona Clayton and the Trumpet Award Foundation for recognizing me." 

Xernona Clayton is the Founder, President and CEO of the Trumpet Awards Foundation, Inc. and Creator and Executive Producer of the Foundation's Trumpet Awards.

This year's black tie ceremony was held at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on January 7, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia. Wayne Brady hosted the evening, which had an audience of approximately 4,000 people. The ceremony aired nationally on TV One on Sunday, April 8th at 8 p.m. and will be distributed internationally to approximately 185 countries worldwide.

Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel is the sixth largest meeting and convention property in the city with 90,000 square feet of function space and 763 rooms.  Under the strategic direction of Niles Harris, the hotel underwent a dramatic transformation in 2009 with an extensive $20 million Capital Improvement Project. More than $70 million has been spent on Atlanta's flagship Sheraton property during the past seven years including more than $40 million over the past four years.

Amenities at the Sheraton Atlanta include a stunning indoor/outdoor Garden Courtyard with a retractable roof and year-round swimming pool, a 24-hour fitness center, full service business center, concierge, two ballrooms, two distinct restaurants, lively bar, a deli, 24-hour in-room dining, and wireless high-speed Internet access in guest rooms, suites, and all public and meeting space.

Ideally located just 15 minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the hotel is located within walking distance of Peachtree Center, Centennial Park, CNN Center, The Georgia Aquarium, New World of Coke, Underground Atlanta and the Georgia World Congress Center as well as top sporting venues such as Philips Arena (Atlanta Hawks) and the Georgia Dome (Atlanta Falcons).

For more information or to make a reservation at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel, visit www.SheratonAtlantaHotel.com or call (404) 659-6500.