Minneapolis (May 9, 2019) – Erik Loberg, an Assistant Front Office Manager at the Graduate Minneapolis hotel, has been named the “Hospitality Hero” award winner for the first quarter of 2019 by Meet Minneapolis, Convention and Visitors Association. The award is given quarterly to a member of the Minneapolis hospitality community who has been nominated by their colleagues. This honor is for an individual or organization that has made valuable contributions to the image and culture of Minneapolis through outstanding hospitality and service.

Loberg can be spotted driving the shuttle, giving personal bike tours and even walking guests to the light rail stop. Nominated by Senior Convention Services Manager Lacy Hinson, Loberg’s knowledge and love of the arts, museums and history of the city compels his shuttle guests to come back. His bright and positive attitude lifts up his fellow employees, as well. “We should all have an Erik Loberg,” shared Hinson.

Serving the Minneapolis community at the hotel since October 2013, Loberg began as a Bellman, was promoted to Bell Captain and then promoted again to his current position as an Assistant Front Office Manager. With the Graduate Minneapolis on the campus at the University of Minnesota, Loberg has even dressed up in his Gopher (mascot) “suit” to show his support for the university. He has a passion to get to know all his guests, and always strives to give them the best experience with the hotel and the city.

“Erik will find out who they are personally, where they are from, and what would bring them a piece of home, while also showcasing Minneapolis,” said Hinson. "All of our guests - from recruits and corporate executives to professors and social travelers - have made comments about how Erik's touch has kept them coming back.”