ROCKFORD (USCA) -- Alpine Inn has been selected for the 2011 Best of Rockford Award in the Hotels category by the U.S. Commerce Association.

"Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2011 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by local third parties.

The Alpine Inn was purchased in 2007 by the Captain’s Cabin, Inc., an Illinois corporation. Upon purchase, the President of the Captain’s Cabin Inc., Tom Baudhuin, authorized a major capital improvement program financed internally, but made possible, due to the E State St/Alpine TIF. With improvements underway, Mr. Baudhuin made one of his most brilliant business moves when he hired Mrs. Kathryn Haun as the General Manager in 2009. Mrs. Haun oversaw the completion of the capital improvements while directing a staff toward maximizing the overall customer experience. Under her guidance, the Alpine Inn has moved from one of the poorest ranked hotels on TripAdvisor to one of the highest with a “recommended” rating by the world renowned hotel rating agency. The Alpine Inn now maintains a regular client list of regional corporations including Byron Nuclear Plant, Sundstrand, and Chrysler.

The Alpine in is located at 4404 E State Street in Rockford. Their phone number is 815-399-1890.