March 15, 2013
CEO Newsletter
The personal ownership and commitment to improve our company that I have recently seen displayed by many members of our enterprise is simply inspiring. Most weeks I personally receive several updates from various members across the enterprise. Lately I am seeing a tremendous uptick in the volume of positive dialogue to improve and further shape our company. Furthermore I am also getting notes from our clients and supplier partners. Just this week one of our major sports team owners wrote a note thanking me for our partnership and stating that we should be very proud of what we have achieved as a company in a relatively short period of time. My response was that I thank our team, by far the best in the business, and I let him know that we’ve just gotten started with much more to come.
It is not just the volume of notes circulating but their range, insights and passion to drive our business forward that is most rewarding. Topics circulating this week are wine, core products, stretching the core, EzPlanit, new business opportunities, ideas for Saks and offers of assistance for our international growth efforts. The real kicker is the majority of the notes are from team members wanting to lend a hand. We are onto something special – we want our team members engaged, inspired and motivated which is what I see happening. This is a great moment for Centerplate!
E3 moments of the week …
Our sales and culinary team at the Virginia Beach Convention Center recently participated in the 24th Annual Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia’s Taste of Hampton Roads Fundraiser with funds raised to contribute more than 640,000 meals. Locally sourced ingredients mirrored the “Farm to Fork” theme in our dish of Cherrystone Oysters wrapped in Virginia Surryano Ham drizzled with a Lemon Basil Glaze over Collard Greens braised with Edwards Smoked Bacon which was voted #1 by the panel of local culinarians giving our team the Chef’s Choice Award. Great job by Sous Chef Robert Arnold, Executive Chef Paul Benson, Cassie Murdough and Beth Williamson!
Congratulations to Sabrina Rinaldo, Catering Sales Manager at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, on being elected to the Board of Directors for the Virginia Beach Restaurant Association!
Our fundraiser for the Adaptive Ski Program at Gunstock Mountain raised $5,800 and heightened the level of awareness in the community about the program. The program provides lessons and opportunities to children and adults with various disabilities to get out and enjoy the slopes. The program directors could have not been more grateful, “Thank you for caring this much. The outpouring of support from the staff of Centerplate is overwhelming.” Kudos to Pam Brewer, Jen Butt, Tina Kelley, Mary MacDonald, John Timbrook and our entire team at Gunstock for their community spirit!
The recent Tourism Orlando Program at the Orange County Convention Center was a huge success with over 60 hospitality professionals enjoying a fun, informative food-filled day at the center. The participants donned Centerplate logo aprons, Chef’s hats and created their very own Pad Thai lunch in our main kitchen, toured the facility and returned to the kitchen for Executive Sous Chef Laura Faneill’s presentation of Artisan Salt Encased Florida Snapper, Charsu Spackelcock Duck Tacos and Southern-style Lobster Mac and Cheese. Our client’s comments are what we should aspire to receive from every one of our clients, “I did not want another day to go by without thanking you. The members are still raving about the kitchen, cooking and more food! I believe they thoroughly enjoyed their day with us and we could not have done it without you. Thanks for the great partnership!” Job well done to Michael Barrett, Mia Cangelosi, Chef Laura Fanelli, Cheryl King, Jon Nikjeau, Liliana Otero, Terry Ross, Joyce Sessoms and our team in Orlando.
Never have I been prouder of our company. You are making the effort to Step Beyond and are having a profound, positive and lasting impact. I challenge those not fully committed to wait no longer and to get in the game and make a difference. Together let’s press our Event Hospitality advantage.
Onwards!
