December 2014
CEO Newsletter
Team,
It’s been an incredible month since I last wrote. Allow me to shine the bright light on some of our talented teammates.
Last month, our NBD Team led by the diligence of Gary Wattie and the passion of our proposed on-site management team Matt Long and Chef Matt Wallen presented to the selection committee for the Greater Columbus Convention Center. While the news is not yet public (we’ll make the official announcement in the coming weeks), I’m thrilled to announce that the team has delivered this big win with a unanimous decision, knocking out the incumbent of 25 years… This is a significant win and further solidifies our well-earned dominance in the convention center marketplace. We win because our actions speak louder than our words, we deliver for our customers every day, and it’s as simple as that.
In addition to adding new business, we’ve had several significant renewals, including a verbal agreement for one of our our major North American convention center clients. And in the UK, Adrian Dishington’s sound efforts have been rewarded with a long term deal for Sunderland. Each year we have numerous accounts that need to be renewed, some of which are required to go to bid. Renewals represent the lifeblood of our organization and should be a top priority for everyone, so if you need help, please let me know.
I’ve had the chance to visit with several clients over the past month and thought I’d mention a few visits. Starting with the Tampa Rays, where I met with the newly appointed President, Brian Auld. He couldn’t have been any more complimentary of the role that Bill Tracy and John Cirelli have played in the overall success of the team. He was emphatic about the importance of our partnership and the inclusion of the Centerplate staff in the Ray’s daily planning.
After the presentation in Columbus, I took Bob Pascal on a road trip to Detroit where I met with Larry Alexander and Patrick Bero, our clients at Cobo Hall. They absolutely raved about the work of Jason Hougard and Chef Jamie Miller along with the entire Centerplate team. Our operation at Cobo is only matched by the incredible surroundings of the venue, and that is a winning combination. Larry will be one of the guest speakers at our annual conference in March. Not only is he a dynamic speaker, he is an advocate for Centerplate.
As I comb through my notes, I realize that it’s impossible for me to mention all of the great accomplishments that we achieve daily. And while the large accounts sometimes gain too much of the spotlight, it’s important to recognize that big or small, each venue is directed by talented individuals who lead their respective local team. Just like in sports, in our business it takes a team to win. Centerplate has the most unbelievable group of dedicated team members in the hospitality industry. I am so proud to see how our peer network stretches out across all boundaries to help each other. I can’t tell you how many traveling managers and culinary professionals I have run into along the way, but I can tell you that it’s what makes us the very best in the business. Thanks to all of you for creating the greatness that is Centerplate.
And finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to say thank you for all of the congratulatory well wishes that I have received over the past few weeks, via email, text, phone and even social media… It has been truly humbling. You have my unbridled commitment that I will work tirelessly to keep the Centerplate brand recognized as the undisputed leader in event hospitality. Each of you has helped to make it better to be here for me and I promise to do the same for you.
Thanks again, and I’ll see you soon!
Chris Verros
President & CEO
