CEO Newsletter
CEO Newsletter
Team,
As we approach the end of the 2nd Quarter it’s time for each of us to evaluate where we stand for the year relative to our budgeted targets. While much of our success is driven by the events that we serve, we can all make adjustments to favorably enhance our business. I fully expect that you are making these adjustments part of your daily routine so you are trending towards meeting and exceeding your budget for 2017.
Our success as an organization is a shared responsibility; your results impact us all. Always look three steps ahead for your account, so you are tracking any headwinds in the future. Consult your RVP so you can take advantage of our company resources to give yourself the best chance for success. And, network with your colleagues to get insight on how they have tackled similar situations, so you can find a path to succeed.
If you are flourishing, double down and continue to take steps to improve and fine tune your operation. There is no such thing as “too good”. While you’re at it, let us know when things are going well so we can share those insights across our other venues. Conversely, don’t hesitate to reach out for support when the going gets tough. Achieving success is our ultimate goal, and utilizing our incredible peer network is a rewarding experience for the entire organization.
During the past several months, we have been very busy working on renewals of our existing business. Most recently we’ve signed extensions at the Indianapolis Zoo, Baltimore Convention Center, Catamount Resort, Harvard Stadium, the University of Louisville’s Papa John Stadium, King Richard’s Faire, the NCAA and also the New Orleans Morial Convention Center. Great job by our General Managers and all involved in the renewal of these important accounts!
On the new business front, I’m proud to announce that we have officially begun operations at Funtown Splashtown USA, an amusement and waterpark in Saco, Maine. Congratulations to Dave Oberlander, Lori Oberlander, Dave Sugrue, Bill Donovan and Kay Towner for winning this account and to GM Diane Leader for its successful opening. With sunny weather in the forecast, we are anticipating great immediate results.
We also were recently awarded the contract at City College in New York City where we will handle student dining. This account opens a new sector in the Centerplate portfolio and one that we will look to expand upon in the future. Kudos to John Erickson for pushing us to look at an alternative type of business and then helping us win, along with Greg Fainier and GM Camela Duncan. John was also instrumental in us winning the Taste of New York consulting agreement with the State of New York. We are providing oversight to 9 venues throughout New York, highlighting products produced within the state borders.
In the UK, we have renewed the stunningly beautiful Hopetoun House for a multiple year extension and The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. We have also been granted an extension to the Royal Warrant for catering services to Her Majesty The Queen. Plus, for the fifth year in a row, ACC Liverpool was named the Best UK Conference Centre at the M&IT Industry Awards, hosted by Meetings & Incentive Travel Magazine. A round of applause to congratulate our clients, Bob Prattey and Gerald Andrews, and our local team, led by Samantha Lincoln, on this outstanding win and accomplishment!
In Spain, our team headed by Jeff Tandberg and Gustavo Rueda is hard at work finalizing the hospitality details for the 70,000 seat Wanda Metropolitano, the new home of Atlético Madrid. It is targeted for an early September opening. Many of you know how hard it is to open a venue from scratch and there is plenty of work to do between now and then, so please send your best wishes to Jeff and Gustavo for a successful start to Europe’s newest major venue.
This past week I had the pleasure of traveling to Vancouver for meetings with our clients and teammates at the Vancouver Convention Centre, B.C. Place and Whistler Conference Centre. Each time I visit, I am blown away by the number of talented, dedicated and professional people who work to make these operations run flawlessly. Andrew Pollard, Paul McArdle, Nelson Drake and all of their respective teammates can be proud of representing Centerplate at the highest level.
And finally … an update on next year’s annual meeting. We had a lot of great feedback on our Annual Conference in Nashville. And many of you have asked where we’re planning to go in 2018. I’m pleased to announce that we have chosen the Raleigh Convention Center. Jamie Jenkins and his team are eager to showcase their facility and city to all of us in March 2018!
Thank you for all your hard work. I’ll see you soon…
