August 23, 2013
CEO Newsletter
In a conversation with one of our clients recently it was great to hear him raving about the level of professionalism we have brought to his newly opened venue. I thanked him and said this is the feedback we expect to get from all of our clients. I also discussed with him our intent to operate the Ultimate Hospitality Machine where every venue counts and our belief that one-of-a-kind solutions supported by the best operating model in the business is the key to our success. Here’s the proof:
- NFL – #1 Hospitality Program – Lucas Oil Stadium
- MLB – #1 Hospitality Program – AT&T Park
- College – #1 Football Hospitality Program – University of Alabama
- College – #1 Arena Hospitality Program – University of Notre Dame
- MiLB – 2 venues in the Top 10 Hospitality Programs – Louisville Slugger Field and Durham Bulls
- Convention Center – #1 Hospitality Program – Colorado Convention Center
- Enterprise – #1 Employer of Choice in our channel and in Top 5 of all businesses operating in North America
We have many venues that are equally impressive and have legitimate claims for vying for the top spot. The client I was talking to did not know about these successes and thought it was a big deal that we need to communicate more. The key message of the week is to make sure that our clients know about our success. Talk us up at your next client meeting and state it is your mission to make their venue the best!
Congratulations to Dave Sugrue, our General Manager at Ocean Beach Park, on his appointment to the post of President of the New England Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (NEAAPA)! With his entire career devoted to the hospitality and attraction industry, most of it spent at Ocean Beach Park where was instrumental in the Park’s refurbishment, Dave is ideally suited to lead the association, promote the industry and be an advocate for its community members and businesses.
I am pleased to announce that we have been awarded a new contract with Bradford City FC where we will manage the public matchday catering as well as work with our client to encourage more use of the new facilities. The club’s recent promotion to League 1 provided the impetus for them to review their catering services and the contract award further consolidates our presence in Yorkshire. Several of Lindley’s award-winning branded concepts, including Franks’ Original New York Streetdogs, are being installed on the public concourse. Great job by Jon Davies and everyone involved in making it happen!
E3 moments of the week …
The recent inaugural “Adirondack Challenge” whitewater rafting race, hosted by Governor Cuomo, was a great success. The event was designed to draw attention to the recreational opportunities in the Adirondacks and to boost tourism. The Governor raced against local politicians as well as members of the State Senate and Assembly and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Our team at Gore Mountain hosted the Awards Luncheons serving over 450 guests an “Adirondack BBQ Lunch” with locally hand-crafted beer and New York vineyard wines. The Governor sent a gracious note, “I want to thank you for your hard work and assistance in making the inaugural Adirondack Challenge a success. Your contributions helped ensure an extraordinary experience and I will remain grateful for your time, efforts and dedication.” Job well done by James Blydenburg, Executive Chef Mark Anthony Conway, Wesley Culver, Michael Curtis, Juanita Gonyo, Dawn Hofler, James Lomanto, Nick Lomanto, Peter Lomanto, Dennis Lucia, Edward Lucia, Billie Jo Meader, Nick Monroe, Albert Perrone, Suzanne Perrone, Daniel Pratt, Brittany Schwindt and our staff at Gore Mountain!
One of the highest profile events of the year in South Bend was a recent wedding held at the Palais. The wedding, with 350 guests from across the country, was handled by a very demanding regional event planner and he could not have been more pleased, “Last Saturday’s wedding reception and dinner were perfection. From beginning to end our guests were treated to an unforgettable evening. Chef Tonya did an outstanding job of preparing delicious food, elegantly presented. It was particularly remarkable that a plate of filet mignon and sea bass could arrive at our table with both entrees at just the right temperature. I look forward to many more memorable events at the Palais.” Kudos to Nicole Batres, James Beck, Gregory Bovo, Melanie Brewer, Tony Burnett, Scott Chadek, Ruth Claeys, Derek Derflinger, Quinton Edenburg, Matthew Harris, Terra Julian, Marcello Lanier, Nicole Lee, Lyn Mayer, Gary McCartney, Joe Mc Gowan, Executive Chef Tonya McGowan, Dorca Melendez, Executive Chef Kippard Peters, Nick Plummer, Kenyatta Poindexter, James Serban, Lekia Spells, Keanu Teska, Mack Tyson, Jesse Vogel and our entire team at the Palais Royale!
Onwards!
