Bob Davis received 2003 (5th annual) Great Communicator

Bob Davis, president and CEO of the Hotel Motel Association of Volusia County (HMAVC) received the 2003 Great Communicator Award from the Volusia County (now Volusia-Flagler) Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Assn.

"Davis is not only known as a great communicator, he's known for his leadership in helping those who can't read or write learn to become great communicators," the announcement stated.

"If there is something that needs to be done to better his profession or the community, Bob has always stepped forward," said Lori Stone Maushund, 2003 FPRA president. "He is an excellent communications strategist and quickly grasps the big picture of any situation facing the organization."

Davis has been a lifelong hotelier in Daytona Beach, including serving as vice president and general manager at the Treature Island Inn, before starting his position at HMAVC eight years prior to the FPRA recognition. During his career, he has become known as an active volunteer, spokesperson and fundraiser for many local charities, which included serving on the board for the Volusia Literacy Council and in several leadership roles for the United Way of Volusia-Flagler.

He was instrumental in developing the first workplace literacy program in the area when he was at the Treasure Island Inn, according to Maushund, and founded the United Way Week of Thanks several years ago to honor donors and volunteers communitywide.

For his work with the Oceanside Rotary Club for over 20 years on behalf of the Association of Retarded Citizens, he received the "Friend of the Retarded Citizens of Volusia County" award, which he has said is his proudest honor. United Way also has honored him as the community's "Senior Volunteer of the Year" for raising several million dollars for local charities over the years.

In his professional life, Davis has been a strong advocate for quality management techniques and received the state's top business award, the Florida Governor's "Sterling Award for Quality" for his leadership as GM of Treasure Island Inn. His efforts in promoting workplace literacy earned him the statewide, "Paul Brown Award for Education" from the Florida Hotel Motel Association.

Davis started in the hotel business at age 12 as a busboy for the 500-room Granit Hotel in the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York. He grew to love the hospitality industry and took several night courses in business at the City College of New York. After several years of promotions, he became the general manager of the Granit Hotel.

In 1966, Davis moved to Daytona Beach as general manager of the Hawaiian Inn, where he worked until the hotel sold 23 years later. He then joined Tom Staed, CEO of Oceans Resorts, and was named general manager and vice president Oceans Resort and the Treasure Island Inn. During his tenure, he and his staff won six FHMA statewide awards and three national awards from the American Hotel and Lodging Assn.

"Bob Davis personifies the phrase, "If not you, then who?" Maushund said. "He has always told his staff, 'We are the fortunate ones; we have jobs and are now in a position to give back to the community."

The luncheon at at the Daytona Beach International Airport December 9, 2003,

The annual great communicator award was to honor those who demonstrated strong communication skills and service to the community. 

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