The National Academy Foundation has honored Academy of Hospitality & Tourism graduate Matthew Erickson as a 2011 alumni honoree. He will be one of five alumni selected from four academies throughout the United States who will be honored July 18 at the foundation’s annual awards banquet in San Francisco.

The American Hotel & Lodging Association has honored fountain dispenser Nancy Gorospe and food and beverage director Brian Hunnings of the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa at its annual Stars of the Industry program in Atlanta. Hawaii representatives for the national awards are chosen from the Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association’s Na Po‘e Pa‘ahana awards program, which receives more than 200 nominations a year for selected top employees from member hotels and businesses.

Tobacconist Mark Miyahara of Shiroma’s Wine and More in Aiea has been accepted into the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association. The organization represents retailers, manufacturers and distributors of premium handmade cigars, pipes and accessories. Miyahara will have access to the organization’s resources including market research, trade shows, products, services and publications, and will be able to participate in community, constitutional and legislative action programs.

Maui Lani signs Safeway

Safeway will be the anchor tenant at a new central Maui retail center recently approved by the county planning commission. The grocery store will occupy 60,000 square feet of the 105,000-square-foot Maui Lani Center, according to project developer HRT Ltd. Other space at the planned complex across from Baldwin High School in Wailuku is expected to be filled by retail, restaurant and office users. Construction is scheduled to begin in the fall and be complete in late 2012.