Cintas Announces 2022 S.H.I.N.E. Award Winner

Cintas Corp. recently announced the selection of Christine Perkins as the grand prize winner of the 2022 Cintas Star Housekeepers In a New Era (S.H.I.N.E.) Award. The annual award program recognizes housekeeping professionals employed at U.S. hospitality properties for their contributions to guest safety and satisfaction.

“This year’s S.H.I.N.E. Award finalists truly embody what a strong work ethic looks like,” said Nicole Beall, Cintas vice president of hospitality and gaming strategic markets. “Housekeepers in the hospitality industry have shown great resilience and dedication to overcome tremendous obstacles the last few years, while they have worked tirelessly to provide exceptional service to guests and staff alike.”

Perkins, a housekeeper at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Cedar City, Utah, was chosen by a panel of judges to receive the grand prize of US$5,000. Additionally, her workplace will receive the following:

• $2,500 in cleaning and hygiene products and services from Cintas
• A training and development package from the Indoor Environmental Healthcare and Hospitality Association (IEHA), a Division of ISSA, valued at $3,500
• Enrollment in the GBAC Infectious Disease Awareness Course from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council™ (GBAC), a Division of ISSA, valued at $500
• A comprehensive product package from Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP), valued at more than $2,300.

In nominating Perkins for the S.H.I.N.E. Awards, her general manager, Shallon Engle, called her a “superstar who has endured a lot,” specifically noting Perkins’ commitment to her job through the most challenging of circumstances. Following a COVID-19 diagnosis, Perkins had suffered a significant stroke that affected her ability to speak, count, and read. Because of the severity of her stroke, she was rushed to a hospital in a nearby town, but she still managed to alert her staff so that her work at the Holiday Inn & Suites would be performed in her absence.

Perkins has since received treatment for her stroke, has regained the full ability to speak, and has returned to the property in her role as head housekeeper. 

“We received numerous nominations this year, and every single entry highlighted the important work that housekeepers are doing and the positive impact they have on their hospitality properties across the country,” Beall said. “However, Christine’s dedication to the hotel’s staff and guests—despite her own life-threatening emergency—made her stand out, and we’re so honored to recognize her as this year’s S.H.I.N.E. Award grand-prize winner.”   

For more information, including complete list of the contest’s runners up, visit cintas.com/SHINEAwards/.