Established in 2025, the ED “Honors” Awards will once again acknowledge specific individuals who have made a significant contribution to the industry at large. The nominees for these awards will be announced via our websites and social media channels, and the winners will be chosen by our “ED Honors Board,” a collection of well-established industry professionals from across the country who represent several areas of club operation, from clubs both big and small (see the list of Honors Board members below).
The nominees for the ED Honors Awards were chosen in large part via feedback received during the ED Awards’ pre-nomination voting process (held from mid-May to mid-June 2026). Voters were asked to not only nominate individuals for the Honors Awards, but also explain in detail “why” they deserve the recognition.
These “Honors” Awards will be presented in 2026:
Businesswoman of the Year
Industry Innovator of the Year
Progressive Leader (GM/Regional) of the Year
Outstanding Employee of the Year
In 2025, the ED Honors Board consisted of these voting members; each has been invited to return as an Honors Board voter in 2026: David “Slim” Baucom, owner, MAL Entertainment; Joey Bien, owner, The Treasure Clubs, Shon Bolden, owner, Devil’s Point and The Lucky Devil; Joe Carouba, owner, BSC Management; Jeb Jarrell, PANDA President and DJ; Larry Kaplan, ED legal correspondent; John Kirkendoll, owner, Penthouse Clubs/Kirkendoll Management; Don Kleinhans, owner, 2001 Odyssey; Danny Meyers, veteran DJ/MC; Thom Naylor, GM, Archibalds, DC; Dave Peacock, GM, Platinum 84; Dawn Rizos, owner, The Lodge; Jenn Shamy, owner, Delilah’s; Jim St. John, Spearmint Rhino; Jeremy Sweigert, DJ, Michael’s Men’s Club; Kathy Vercher, President & CEO, Spearmint Rhino; Jerry Westlund, owner, The Pony Clubs; Curtis Wise, owner, Bucks clubs.
The 2026 “Businesswoman of the Year” Honors Award Nominees:
Criteria for the Businesswoman of the Year Award: Conducting business in the adult nightclub industry is not for the meek, but it’s even more challenging for women. This award signifies our appreciation for an industry professional who can easily traverse these choppy waters in an industry that may not recognize them as often as they should.
The four nominees for the 2026 Businesswoman of the Year Award are (in alphabetical order):
Caressa, CXO SmartTab and HausVue
Marilyn Daigle, Manager/Champagne Hostess, Michael’s Men’s Club
Janine Jericho, Entertainer, Founder of Clash of the Titans
Jenny McCauley, Marketing Manager, Thee Dollhouse, Myrtle Beach
Caressa, CXO SmartTab and HausVue
Caressa is Chief Experience Officer (CXO) of SmartTab and HausVue, where she leads with a passion for helping businesses thrive through innovative, practical POS solutions in one of the adult nightclub industry’s most highly regulated sectors. Her approach extends beyond technology, focusing on understanding the operational, financial, and compliance challenges organizations face and delivering strategies that drive sustainable, long-term success.
Known for building trusted relationships across the industry, Caressa works closely with operators, partners, developers, and stakeholders to identify challenges, uncover opportunities, and foster collaboration. She excels at bridging the gap between business strategy, technology, and regulatory compliance while keeping the needs of clients and end users at the center of every decision. Caressa measures success by the strength of the relationships she builds, the growth she helps enable, and the lasting impact she creates across the industry.
Marilyn Daigle, Manager/Champagne Hostess, Michael’s Men’s Club
Marilyn Daigle, manager and Champagne Hostess at Michael’s Men’s Club, exemplifies the leadership, dedication and compassion that define ED Honors Businesswoman of the Year. As the driving force behind the club’s daily operations, she has earned the unwavering respect of both entertainers and staff through her firm but approachable leadership.
Marilyn has cultivated a culture of trust by hosting voluntary monthly meetings where entertainers are encouraged to share their concerns and ideas. The consistent attendance speaks volumes about the confidence they have in her and the value they place on her guidance. Beyond management, she oversees the club’s in-house boutique, helping entertainers with discounts and financial assistance when needed.
Her generosity extends even further during competitions and special events, where she personally creates custom robes and thoughtful gifts for contestants. Marilyn consistently goes above and beyond her responsibilities, making a lasting impact on everyone at Michael’s and setting the standard for exceptional leadership in the industry.
Janine Jericho, entertainer, founder of Clash of the Titans
In a career that includes being an accomplished feature entertainer and industry notable, Janine Jericho has transformed the feature entertainment business by creating opportunities that help entertainers build lasting, successful careers. As founder and CEO of Feature Elite Management, she has become one of the industry’s most respected mentors, currently guiding 24 entertainers while helping countless others secure feature bookings and develop professionally.
As a businesswoman, Janine created the Clash of the Titans Showgirl Competition, now held four times annually at clubs across the country, giving performers a platform to showcase their talent. She also founded the Home of the Showgirl circuit, a growing network of nine clubs, and counting, that provides guaranteed bookings and invaluable stage experience for emerging starlets.
Janine’s passion for giving back is rooted in her own remarkable career. An accomplished entertainer with more than 90 industry awards, she understands what it takes to succeed and selflessly shares that knowledge with others.
Jenny McCauley, Marketing Manager, Thee Dollhouse, Myrtle Beach
Jenny McCauley, marketing manager at Thee Dollhouse in Myrtle Beach, has been a driving force in the adult nightclub industry for more than three decades. A true marketing director, Jenny has built her reputation on creativity, professionalism and an unwavering passion for promoting not only her own venue but the industry as a whole.
From her early career booking male entertainers to producing successful golf events and innovative promotions, Jenny has consistently found new ways to elevate businesses, connect people and create memorable experiences for guests. She believes that success is something to be shared, always supporting fellow clubs and encouraging others to thrive.
Despite her many accomplishments, Jenny has never sought recognition for herself. Instead, she is motivated by her genuine love for the industry and her desire to make it stronger.
