November 9, 2012
CEO Newsletter
Te3am,
Commitment is the theme of this week’s update. In truth, commitment has been the theme for our enterprise for the past 4 years. Without commitment there is no foundation to take strength from when tested. Without commitment we are a victim of the winds and never in control of our destiny. Simply put, we cannot state one week we are for something and the next week that we are not. Consistent commitment is our real goal.
This week we had another chance to stand tall when challenged on our consistent commitment to provide a quality service while making a fair return. The alternative that our competitors continue to take is to capitulate and lose by agreeing to work pro bono simply to retain or “win” an account. For Centerplate the choice was easy. We did not falter and submitted a proposal consistent with our values. We are more than prepared to walk away from business that does not recognize the difference between quality and commodity. I dare say that many great brands have been faced with this same decision. It is why some brands remain iconic and some brands no longer exist.
On another front, as one of 4 finalists, we made our presentation for the new arena of the Edmonton Oilers. I know I state this often, and I mean it every time – we knocked this one out of the park. I chalk this one up as our new personal best. Way to go Team Edmonton! After our presentation, one of the committee members told me that he has known Centerplate for forty years, in recent times has watched the company’s challenges and stated that it is so good to see the company back at the top of its game. Those words alone should reinforce our commitment to be consistent in our execution and expectations.
I am pleased to announce that we recently renewed our agreement with Whistler Conference Centre. Congratulations to Nelson Drake and our team in Whistler!
Attached are copies of our recent press releases. Going forward we will include press releases with the Team Update to keep everyone up to speed on the latest developments.
E3 moments of the week …
An update on a previous E3 moment – a round of applause to Doug Simmonds for winning the Louisville CVB’s Meeting Planner’s Choice Award! In addition, Mary Fritz also received a nomination for the Behind the Scenes Award, for the dedicated service she gives to the Kentucky State Fair Board on a daily basis and for her personal touch at their monthly luncheon. Congratulations Mary!
The recent Inaugural Dash 5K & Team Relay at Lucas Oil Raceway, with proceeds donated to Habitat for Humanity of Hendricks County, was a hit with hundreds of runners braving the cold to run down the dragstrip. Centerplate donated water bottles and fresh fruit for the runners at the finish line and our concession stands featured a special on our homemade chili along with hot cider and hot chocolate stations. Kudos to Mary Doyle, Mike Heimer, Sharon York, Chuck Taylor and our team at the raceway!
The University of Minnesota hockey team, in town for a game with the University of Notre Dame, arrived at the Century Center a day early. While the team manager apologized for their error, our staff went into action with a quick shopping trip and room set up that had breakfast being served to the team within 45 minutes, followed by lunch and dinner also a day ahead of schedule. The team was very appreciative, “Thank you for working through the confusion and accommodating us. The food quality, service and venue all met or exceeded our expectations.” Great job by Cathy Allen, Maria Escalante, Ayana Haynes, Melanie Hoefle, Valentina Juarez, Randy Maxwell, Lyn Mayer, Chef Kip Peters, Bruce Treese and our team in South Bend!
With the Vancouver Convention Centre actively pursuing the Educause Conference currently taking place at the Colorado Convention Center, Andrew Pollard, our GM in Vancouver, reached out to our Denver team for assistance to impress his new potential client and bring value to our relationship with our Vancouver client. Todd Moore and Pastry Chef Syd Berkowitz produced and delivered a “Vancouver” chocolate sculpture, complete with totem poles, to the delight of the Educause meeting planners and made a valuable connection between these two Centerplate facilities. Great teamwork in action!
Our congratulations to Chef Christopher DeJohn, Executive Chef at Sports Authority Field @ Mile High, on the honor of being elected President of the American Culinary Federation Colorado Chefs Association for 2013! We are certain that he will be an innovative leader of the organization and wish him well in the role.
Like it or not choices always have consequences. So we need to choose our path wisely and fight for it passionately. Here’s to executing the Ultimate Hospitality Machine and leaving the cheap commodity machine behind. We succeed by winning and not buying business. Let’s not lose sight of the ultimate prize.
