VRLTA's 'Ordinary Awards' honor 2 from Henrico

Two Henrico winners were among the 24 honorees at the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging and Travel Association’s Ordinary Awards, which celebrated the best of Virginia’s hospitality and tourism industry Sept. 8 at the Richmond Downtown Marriott.

Dennis Bickmeier, executive director of the Henrico Sports and Entertainment Authority, earned the Charlie Buser Award for Attraction Employee of the Year, while Ronald Logan, Sr., owner of The Original Ronnie’s BBQ in Varina, received the Jim Wordsworth Award for Restaurateur of the Year.

Bickmeier, who previously led Richmond Raceway before taking on his current role, has overseen Henrico’s push to grow as a destination for major sports and entertainment events, including high-profile tournaments and concerts that draw visitors from throughout the state and beyond.

Logan has become known for expanding his barbecue business while maintaining its community-centered spirit, helping to put Henrico on the map as a food destination.

“This year’s Ordinary Awards was truly one for the books,” said VRLTA President Eric Terry. “With a record number of attendees and more interest in the program than ever before, it’s clear that the Ordinary Awards have become a centerpiece for celebrating Virginia’s hospitality and tourism community.”

The awards program, named for Chinn’s Ordinary — built in 1728 in what is now Middleburg, Virginia and considered the oldest original inn in America — highlights restaurants, lodging establishments, attractions, destination marketing organizations and hospitality leaders throughout the state.

A record crowd of more than 350 industry peers and leaders attended the event.

For a full list of winners, visit ordinaryawards.com.