September 20, 2013
CEO Newsletter
It is vitally important that we deliver on our commitments. Every week I am thrilled to read the various E3 submissions that bring our philosophy to life in action and not just intent. The following quote by JFK really underscores our Results not Rhetoric mindset, “Things do not happen. Things are made to happen.” At Centerplate we make things happen!
The challenge is for us to universally deliver on this most critical element. Just recently our ACC Liverpool clients visited several of our operations in San Francisco, Portland, Vancouver, Seattle and Denver. To a venue our teams did us all proud. Our clients left the country having seen firsthand our universal commitment to being #1 in Event Hospitality. It was especially pleasing to see and hear how our teams are bringing to life one-of-a-kind locally relevant hospitality experiences.
The attached article from an HR website, “We crave cheerleaders, but what we need is a coach …” was sent to me by Ashton Sequeira who recently shared it with his team. It is a great personal development message for us as leaders as well as for our team members. Our people are our most valuable resource. We need to be their coaches – pushing them to be the best and achieve their personal goals which in turn will result in making Centerplate a stronger company.
Our focus on training is providing our employees with the tools they need to do their jobs better and to learn new skills to fuel their growth and success. It is being noticed in the industry and also in the HR/Training environment with Centerplate named as a finalist for the Best New Training and Program Launch at BizLibrary’s annual Align Conference. The award recognizes programs in their first year of implementation that focus on planning and best utilize BizLibrary’s content and technology. Congratulations to Samantha Carder, Ken Frazier, Matt Garvin and David Lake!
E3 moments of the week …
The flood waters in Boulder devastated the area and our team at the University of Colorado, in conjunction with the Athletic Department, provided assistance to some CU students and nearby members of the community whose housing was damaged, as well as the first responders. With the CU football game cancelled, we served about 800 people at Folsom Field some of the food that had been prepared for the game. The CU football and women’s lacrosse teams helped served the meals and the women’s volleyball team donned aprons to help prepare food in the kitchen. The event was picked up by the local TV stations – a good story amidst coverage of the devastation. Our team also worked with our subcontractors to donate over 3000 bottles of water. Wonderful community spirit by our Boulder staff who volunteered their time – Ricky Bell, Sarah Binkley, Lisa Cook, Eli Cordova, Chef Keith Germaine, Executive Chef Paul Huddleson, Joe Koffler, Lindsay Koffler, Chris Martinez, Zach McManis, Matt Mulberry, Matt Palamara, Sarah Post, Alfredo Soberanis and Sandra Soberanis!
Holiday Valley was the host resort for the recent 2013-2014 SANY Expo (Ski Areas of New York, includes Pennsylvania and many Northeast ski areas) with over 350 guests and vendors. Our resort client could not have been more pleased with the event, “I’d like to thank and congratulate everyone on the outstanding success of the SANY. It was exceptional because of great planning, even better execution, phenomenal food, beautiful setting and facility, and the HV staff. I heard from numerous vendors that attend trade shows all over the country and they repeatedly raved about ‘the best food ever’. My table at the closing dinner actually took photos of their dinner and emailed them to others in our industry. Thank you and please take a bow, pat yourself on the back and pass on the mirth and recognition to everyone we work with.” Centerplate also hosted an opening night Welcome Dinner for our current and potential clients featuring a duet plate of braised bison short ribs and pan-seared jumbo scallop with roasted fingerling potatoes followed by John Harvard’s butterscotch bread pudding. Kudos to Jerry Andrews, Karen Baggiano, Franco Brady, Chef Steven Brooks, Nikki Clark, Nikki Harrington, Chris Hasteiter, Carrie Horton, Chef Rory Mosher, Katelyn Mueller, Shirley Roblee, Chef Dave Seitz, Chef Dave Seitz, Jr., Mark Stark and our entire team at Holiday Valley!
Dennis Eshbaugh, President of Holiday Valley, was honored as the recipient of the Hall of Fame Award for his contribution and dedication to the sport of skiing at the SANY Expo. Our congratulations to Dennis!
Our Wells Fargo show clients at the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America Save the Dream Tour (NACA) at the Miami Beach Convention Center raved about our services and our food, “Our experience has been exceptional and one that we will never forget. All meals were prepared with the perfect taste and inviting presentation! Everyone was polite, respectful and had a positive attitude. The smiles and hands-on service is appreciated. I am sure that Miami Beach Convention Center acknowledges the contributions this team offers to your clients and visitors. I extend my gratitude for all their professional service.” Great job by Roger Avila, Margoth Cerna, Jose Garzon, Federico Gosalvez, Miladis Hernandez, Julie Jauregui, Joel Lisboa, Nancy Shaw, Miriam Solorzano, Nick Tierno, Regina Vargas, Maikel Vidal and our staff in Miami Beach!
I am proud of what we have achieved so far together but know our best work is yet to come! Onwards!
Centerplate And The Eastern Sates Exposition Welcome Guests With New Signature Creations
Lindley Group Becomes SRA One Star Sustainability Champion
Centerplate And The Dolphins Introduce New Menu Items For 2013 Season
