September 27, 2013
CEO Newsletter
I was fortunate to take a week off and cruise around the Mediterranean. The service throughout the trip was exceptional; our steward preempted all of our needs every evening by providing available options for the next day. Nothing was too small a request. Everyone on board enjoyed E3 experiences.
If this cruise steward can connect daily with each of his guests in the 200 suites he manages, then we at Centerplate can do the same for our club and suite holders in sports, our incoming meeting planners in convention centers, and season pass holders and event hosts in our entertainment channel. Get aggressive about reaching out. We need find a way to reach out and personally connect with our guests every week and make them feel special. Have you asked your suite, club or your catering sales manager to connect weekly? If not, focus on this. The more people feel special about our services the further we differentiate and demonstrate that the Centerplate Way is superior.
Be sure to upload your photo to the Employee Directory on Centerplate Spark by October 4th to be enrolled in the Spark Profile Picture Contest to win an iPad mini! While you’re there take the opportunity to update your profile with some information about yourself. When communicating with fellow team members the ability to put a face with a name strengthens and personalizes the relationship. Do your part in building our Centerplate community. I look forward to seeing everyone’s photos next week!
E3 moments of the week…
The unveiling of the new Cobo Grand Riverfront Ballroom was held with great fanfare. The event gave the public the first look at Phase II of the renovation of the center – the new 40,000 sq ft ballroom, 30,000 sq ft atrium and 20,000 sq ft pre-function space. Our client could not have been happier, “I thank you very sincerely for making the evening a stunning event. Aerialists, theatrical lighting and music all contributed to the glittering over-all effect, but the cuisine and the service, the imaginative presentations and the focus on local food and beverage icons will be the most important take-aways for our customers and the media who were our guests.
Every one of them will want to entertain in our beautiful spaces and provide the memorable food that you have made a standard for Cobo. Your staff makes one of the finest teams I have ever worked with. We are very proud to have you working with us and for Cobo Center.” A big round of applause to Rick Albers, Norbeto Bove, Shannon Chapman, Terrell Crawford, Jason Hougard, Darius Johnson, Jennifer McDonnell, Executive Chef Jamie Miller, Vijay Misah, Dreena Pruitt, Catherine Urban, Chef Matt Zatrika and our entire team in Detroit!
Opening day at LP Field was a great success with the highest per cap for an NFL game in the history of the venue. The numerous off-season projects completed to enhance the fan experience, coupled with the detailed planning, tireless effort, quality service and execution of our team, made a huge impact. The last minute winning touchdown by the Titans capped off an extraordinary day and will help to fuel the excitement going forward. Kudos to Deborah Boucher, Erika Dunning, Brian Gaskill, Cynthia Henneberger, Stephanie Hertel, Brooke Kelley,
Jennifer Lovell, Chris Marshall, Michael Reilly, David Painton, Jerry Reed, Alfred Smith, Kristopher Smith, Gene Williams and our entire team at the stadium as well as visiting team members James Jenkins, David Keitel, Heather Kellogg, Ralph Orona and Tammy Scott!
Congratulations to Steve Trotter on receiving the Archie Casbarian Award for Humanitarian of the Year from the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation. The award recognizes “exceptional commitment to serving our community by tirelessly devoting your resources, sharing your energy, inspiring your peers and bringing a shared vision to life.” Steve is well-deserving of this award for his dedication and support to the City of New Orleans and the surrounding area.
Let’s make sure we are asking our guests the ultimate question, “Would you recommend us to a family member or friend?” The answer “yes” should be echoing across the enterprise!
Onwards!
Derby Theatre Awards Six Year Catering Contract To Lindley Heritage
